Elliot Manzini, a Mozambican national, was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for illegally entering the Kruger National Park, intent on poaching rhinos.
Manzini was arrested in the park on May 29 by SANParks Rangers in the Crocodile Bridge section and sentenced in the Skukuza Periodical Court.
He was in possession of .458 rifle and ammunition and was convicted for illegal possession of a firearm with the intention to kill rhino, illegal possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition and trespassing.
Manzini’s two accomplices fled back into Mozambique.
The Managing Executive of KNP, Glenn Phillips said: “We are happy that the courts have rewarded the hard work done by the Rangers, our Environmental Crime Investigative Unit and the South African Police. The sentencing will also help to lift the morale of all men and women in uniform who constantly have to react to dangerous situations involving rhino poaching.”
