Tag Archives: unlawful possession of a firearm

Two poachers sentenced to 11 years in prison

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By OBAKENG MAJE

22 September 2026 – Two men convicted of multiple poaching-related offences in the Kruger National Park have each been sentenced to 11 years imprisonment by the Skukuza Regional Court. Ephraim Bheki Siwela (43) and Kobus Simon Sambo (40) were convicted on seven counts, including trespassing in a national park, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm for the commission of an offence, conspiracy to commit an offence, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of a dangerous weapon.

The case dates back to 30 May 2021, when suspicious movement was detected in the Pretoriuskop Section of the Kruger National Park. Aerial surveillance was deployed and investigators tracked two sets of footprints.

Field rangers later discovered a firearm and hunting knives before finding Siwela and Sambo hiding in nearby vegetation. Investigations subsequently established that the footwear worn by the accused matched the footprints being tracked.

During the trial, both accused pleaded not guilty.

The state prosecutor, Lot Mgiba, led evidence from the park’s Technology Operations Manager and presented expert evidence linking the footprints to the accused’s footwear. Ballistic analysis also linked the recovered firearm to the accused.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Monica Nyuswa said the sentence demonstrates the importance of coordinated efforts in combating wildlife crime. Nyuswa said this successful prosecution highlights the effectiveness of coordinated anti-poaching operations and demonstrates the value of collaboration between conservation authorities, law enforcement agencies, and prosecutors in combating wildlife crime.

“The sentence sends a strong message that people involved in poaching and related criminal activities will face serious consequences. The NPA remains committed to protecting South Africa’s wildlife heritage and ensuring that perpetrators of environmental and wildlife crimes are held accountable through the criminal justice system.  

“The court imposed various sentences on the accused, with several of the sentences ordered to run concurrently with the eight years sentence for possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number,” she said.

Nyuswa further said the three-year sentence for trespassing was ordered to run consecutively, resulting in an effective 11 years imprisonment sentence for each accused. She added that the court also declared both men unfit to possess firearms.

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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, possession of firearm

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 July 2025- A man (34) sentenced to life imprisonment by the North West High Court for murder, two counts of attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. This comes after the accused, Shakandinnyi Ndivhoswami Tshiovhe was convicted.

The Nationals Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said convictions relate to a violent incident that occurred on 7 April 2021 at Dr Steenkamp’s surgery in Block A, Mabopane. Gunya said Tshiovhe, along with a group of men, stormed the surgery in broad daylight and robbed the doctor and patients of their valuables.

“During the robbery, one of the patients was fatally shot and died at the scene from a gunshot wound. As the situation escalated, Dr Steenkamp, acting in self-defence, used his licensed firearm and shot Tshiovhe, who sustained a gunshot wound to the chest.

“Witnesses reported seeing Tshiovhe bleeding as he fled the scene with his accomplices in a white Toyota Quantum parked outside. The next day, police followed up on information obtained from a witness and visited Odi Hospital to investigate the Quantum,” he said.

Gunya further said surveillance footage led to the identification and arrest of Tshiovhe and another suspect. He added that on 5 May 2021, an identification parade was conducted, during which some victims positively identified both individuals.

“Furthermore, blood samples collected from the scene were forensically linked to Tshiovhe through buccal sample analysis. The case against the co-accused was later withdrawn due to insufficient evidence. Tshiovhe pleaded not guilty to all charges.

“However, in aggravation of sentence, state advocate Ferdinand Tlatsana argued that the gravity of the offences and the lack of substantial and compelling circumstances warranted the prescribed minimum sentence,” said Gunya.

He said the court concurred and imposed life imprisonment for murder, 15 years imprisonment for two counts of robbery, 10 years imprisonment for attempted murder, 5 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm and 5 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition. Gunya said all sentences are to run concurrently with the life sentence.

“Tshiovhe was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

Welcoming the judgment, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Tlatsana, the investigating officer, and all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction.

“These sentences underscore the National Prosecuting Authority’s unwavering commitment to fighting crime, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring justice for victims of violent crime,” she said.

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