Rhino Poaching: Arrests, Prosecutions & Sentencing

Information & discussion on the Rhino Poaching Pandemic
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RogerFraser
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Re: Rhino Poaching: Arrests, Prosecutions & Sentencing

Post by RogerFraser »

Suspected rhino poacher arrested at KwaMbonambi
The suspected poacher is due to appear in court
Tamlyn Jolly
https://zululandobserver.co.za/165164/s ... ambonambi/

TWO days after being wounded in a shootout with field rangers in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP), a suspected poacher was arrested by KwaMbonambi SAPS and is awaiting his day in court.

The suspect, along with two accomplices, came into contact with the rangers near the Makhamisa Outpost within HiP’s wilderness area.

‘Two field rangers were on duty at Makhamisa Outpost, patrolling around the hotspot areas when they were approached by three unknown males,’ said KwaMbonambi SAPS Communications Officer, Captain Nkosingiphile Mthethwa.

‘The field rangers identified themselves, but the men fired shots at the rangers who returned fire.

‘Two of the suspects were shot and died at the scene but one managed to escape.’

A 404 rifle with silencer, two live 404 rounds and two 404 rifle projectiles, as well as two axes were recovered from the scene.

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife confirmed the incident, but did not issue a statement.
After fleeing, the wounded suspect spent two days on the run before being arrested by KwaMbonambi SAPS.

He was taken to Ngwelezana Hospital for treatment and discharged after two days.

He is in police custody at KwaMbonambi Police Station awaiting his court appearance.


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Re: Rhino Poaching: Arrests, Prosecutions & Sentencing

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^Q^ ^Q^ ^Q^

Good shot!


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Re: Rhino Poaching: Arrests, Prosecutions & Sentencing

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^Q^ ^Q^


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Re: Rhino Poaching: Arrests, Prosecutions & Sentencing

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One of South Africa's significant (and largely unsung) rhino heroes passed away last Sunday, 18th March. Significant because he was the magistrate of Skukuza regional court, and largely unsung because although he made headlines with the judgments he passed down in rhino poaching cases, little was ever said or known about Dr Andries Lamprecht himself.

The following is a tribute written by Specialist Prosecutors Ansie Venter and Isabet Erwee, so that we can all remember this great man.

On Friday 23 March 2018, on his sixtieth birthday, we said our final goodbyes to regional court magistrate Andries Lamprecht who was the presiding officer in the Skukuza regional court for rhino related matters.. He lost the battle against cancer after a brave fight which lasted two years.

What does one say about such a great spirit? He was first and foremost a child of the Lord, an absolute gentleman and a brilliant jurist.

On 7 March 2017 it was our privilege as the two specialised prosecutors to walk into the Skukuza regional court for the first time, created specifically for rhino related cases. On the bench was doctor Andries Lamprecht.
What an experience and adventure this turned out to be. There was anamocity, controversy, support, challenges, joy and disappointments, all in one. But the court took off on its maiden flight and started having an impact from the start.

Dr Lamprecht never ever breached the line of professionalism and objectivity. All were treated equal before the law and we had to constantly strive to uphold the high standards he created and expected. But what a privilege to sit at the feet of such a great wise man. Not only did he teach a lot of people several aspects of the law, he also straightforward and unashamed lived and worked by the principles he believed in.

He had a presence around him when he entered a room even before he would say anything. He presided with dignity, order and fairness. Soft spoken but firm, and always well-prepared, he handled the law with a confidence and ease which could only come with great intellect and wisdom.

The judgments and sentences he handed down often made head lines in the media and the Skukuza court was mentioned with appreciation and approval even in parliament. Soon his court became the norm in rhino cases to which the rest of the country had to live up to.

Once he convicted a rhino poacher, he did not hesitate to apply and use the tools given to him in terms of legislation and case law. He sent out a strong message as to the seriousness and heartless nature of these offences and that the court would fullfill its role to address it.

His illness and death was a huge blow to the success of the Skukuza regional court and his absence was felt almost immediately once he became too ill to attend to the cases. Already being very ill, he still attended to the cases until 12 December 2017.

Although never a person who was interested in the lime light or in fame, the impact of his quiet and constant hard work in the rhino cases cannot go by unnoticed. Everybody carrying the plight of the rhinos in his or her heart should take note of the tremendous impact Dr Andries Lamprecht made during the much too short period he presided in the Skukuza regional court.

The world and the law lost a truly great man. We miss him and our hearts are extremely sad but we shall go forward on the foundation he helped to build. Rest in peace with the Lord, Doctor!
From Ansie Venter and Isabet Erwee.


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Re: Rhino Poaching: Arrests, Prosecutions & Sentencing

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RIP.


:-( :-( :-(


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Re: Rhino Poaching: Arrests, Prosecutions & Sentencing

Post by Lisbeth »

If what they write is all true, the rhino cause has lost an important member :-(


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Re: Rhino Poaching: Arrests, Prosecutions & Sentencing

Post by nan »

oups... sad, very sad :-(


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Re: Rhino Poaching: Arrests, Prosecutions & Sentencing

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The National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa
1 hr ·
POACHERS SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IMPRISONMENT EACH

The Lephalale Regional Court sentenced Sam Mnone (35) and Mtheto Kenny Sibiya (34) to an effective 15 years imprisonment for the unlawful possession of firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, illegal hunting of protected animals, trespassing and theft.

The court heard that at Zonderwater Rhinoland in the Lephalale area, the game rangers were patrolling. They then discovered three sets of footprints, which they followed successfully leading them to a dead rhinoceros that appeared to have been shot. Its horns and tail were missing. The police were called and a more concerted search was conducted in the area and around neighbouring farms. The accused were found on the adjacent farm in possession of the following items; three firearms, rounds of ammunition, knife, two overall tops, hack saw, an axe, two rhino horns and a tail.

All three accused were convicted. They were connected to the offence through DNA evidence, foot prints of their takkies and recent possession of horns and the tail. However, accused three, Butini Ndlovu died before the trial could be finalised.

In aggravation of sentence, the State Prosecutor Liezzel del Frate said the crime of poaching particularly for rhino horn is highly prevalent in the area. She argued that the crime is made more serious by the fact that it is committed by well organised groups and asked the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence and to disqualify both accused from obtaining permits or authorizations in terms of LEMA and to possess firearms.

The court agreed with the states’ submission and sentenced both accused to an effective term of 15 years imprisonment.
The sentence on the count of the Possession of a firearm without a licence was 10 years which the court ordered to run concurrently with the sentence on the count of Illegal Hunting. The court further barred both accused from obtaining permits or authorizations in terms of LEMA and were also declared unfit to possess firearm.

The DPP in Limpopo, Advocate Ivy Thenga applauds the SAPS Tactical Response, Stock Theft Unit and the prosecutor for the good work.

Issued by:

Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi
Regional Spokesperson- Limpopo
074 823 3603
mmalabi@npa.gov.za


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Re: Rhino Poaching: Arrests, Prosecutions & Sentencing

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Excellent! \O \O \O


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Re: Rhino Poaching: Arrests, Prosecutions & Sentencing

Post by Lisbeth »

When were they arrested? Why don't they say it! I's an important point :O^


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