The 6 appellants were convicted, in a magistate court, of unlawful possession of and dealing in elephant ivory and skin and leopard skin in contravention of the Wildlife and National Parks 28 of 1992. They were sentenced to various terms of imprisonment and fines: 5 years’ imprisonment, with 2 years conditionally suspended; 3 years’ imprisonment, with 2 years conditionally suspended; 10 years’ imprisonment plus a fine of P50 000.00. The accused appealled to the High Court against these convictions and sentences. The High Court allowed the appeals in toto, and set aside the convictions and sentences. It also ordered the forfeiture of the government trophies and the release of the motor vehicle used to commit the offence.