Media Release: SANParks supports sentencing of rhino poacher
27 June 2018
South African National Parks continues to lead and gain ground in its rhino campaign efforts. A suspect arrested inside Karoo National Park outside Beaufort West in the Western Cape while allegedly attempting to poach rhino, was recently sentenced in the Cape Town Regional Court to five years’ imprisonment.
The incident took place on 30 August last year when three men from a rhino poaching syndicate in Limpopo province illegally entered the Park with the intention to kill a critically endangered black rhino for its horns. They gained entry by cutting a hole in the electrified game fence and tracked rhino spoor in an attempt to shoot one of the animals for its horns.
SANParks Field Rangers discovered the hole in the fence and tracked the spoor of the three suspects. One of the men, Alexandre Dias Shintlhangu was arrested, while the other two suspects fled the scene despite tracking conducted by SANParks Field Rangers, SAPS members and private landowners. A rifle fitted with a homemade silencer, 13 live rounds, a large axe and various other poaching equipment were recovered.
A case was opened in Beaufort West with the following charges: (1) Conspiracy to commit a crime by attempting to kill a black rhino (Diceros bicornis bicornis) in Karoo National Park. (2) Enter, reside and perform any activity (hunt) in a national park without the written permission of the management authority. (3) Possession of a firearm without holding a licence, permit or authorisation. (4) Possession of ammunition without holding a licence, permit or authorisation.
Shintlhangu’s bail application was successfully opposed and it was also discovered that at the time of his arrest in Karoo National Park he was out on bail on another case. During the investigation a second suspect was identified and arrested in Vaalwater.
On 31 May 2018, Shintlhangu entered into a plea and sentence agreement with the State in the Cape Town Regional Court. All charges against the second suspect were withdrawn pending DNA results.
Shintlhangu pled guilty to all four counts and was convicted and sentenced accordingly: Conspiracy to commit a crime by attempting to kill a black rhino (Diceros bicornis bicornis) in Karoo National Park - five years’ imprisonment. Enter, reside and perform any activity (hunt) in a national park without the written permission of the management authority - five years’ imprisonment. Possession of a firearm without holding a licence, permit or authorisation - five years’ imprisonment. Possession of ammunition without holding a licence, permit or authorisation – three years’ imprisonment. All four counts will run concurrently.
Issued by:
South African National Parks (SANParks) Frontier Region Communications
Tel: 082 888 0201
Enquiries:
Fayroush Ludick
Regional Manager: Communications, SANParks
Tel: 082 888 0201
Email: fayroush.ludick@sanparks.org
Rhino Poaching: Arrests, Prosecutions & Sentencing
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Richprins
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Richprins
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Re: Rhino Poaching: Arrests, Prosecutions & Sentencing
It is unusual for SANParks to issue a statement about sentencing. About time. Wonder why? 
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Lisbeth
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Re: Rhino Poaching: Arrests, Prosecutions & Sentencing
The years should get doubled as he was out on bail 
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Richprins
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Re: Arrested "Mr Big" behind 70% of Kruger Poaching?
BREAKING NEWS: Alleged poaching kingpin denied bail
Petrus Sydney Mabuza, aka ‘Mr Big’, was denied bail on Friday afternoon.
35 mins ago
WHITE RIVER – Mabuza was arrested in June when he allegedly transacted with undercover police and received two rhino horns.
He was arrested with three other people, who were charged on six counts related to rhino poaching.
Nozwelo Mahumane was released on bail in June. Moshe Thobela and Romance Khoza withdrew their bail applications.
Mabuza was charged with crimes ranging from rhino horn theft to the illegal possession of rifles and live ammunition. His bail application continued on Tuesday.
During the judgement, delivered today, the magistrate ruled that evidence obtained by police during the subsection 252 entrapment was admissable and denied Mabuza bail.
The matter has been postponed to July 27.
‘Mr Big’ receives warm welcome from community at bail hearing – July 6, 12:00
WHITE RIVER – The waiting room for courtroom A at the local Magistrate’s Court was packed to capacity on Tuesday morning with supporters for Petrus Sydney Mabuza, better known as “Mr Big”.
These supporters attended the hearing and greeted Mabuza with open arms and kisses on the hand afterwards. The continuation of this rhino horn kingpin’s bail application started just before 10:00.
The hearing originally started on June 20, after Mabuza was arrested earlier in June when he allegedly transacted with undercover police and received two rhino horns.
He was arrested with three other accused, who were charged on six counts related to rhino poaching. Nozwelo Mahumane was released on bail earlier in June, while it was placed on record that Moshe Thobela and Romance Khoza withdrew their bail application. On June 20 and 21 state witnesses argued that the release of Mabuza on bail would not be in the interest of justice.
On Tuesday advocate SJ Coetzee argued on behalf of Mr Big and highlighted two arguments in favour of bail: The first was that Mabuza was not a flight risk and the second was that he would not be able to interfere with the investigation pending the trial. Coetzee argued that Mabuza is a much-loved and well-respected man in the community and that he has built a family structure.
“He is a successful businessman and has created jobs for a lot of people,” Coetzee said, adding that Mabuza has a fixed income of close to R400 000 per month.Mabuza’s health was also a factor that Coetzee asked the court to take into consideration.
The community came out in their masses to support him.
“The accused was in a car accident in 2015. It is not easy, if not impossible, to become a fugitive in the condition that he is in.” The defence advocate also argued that the charge against Mabuza should have been attempted theft and not theft, as the state, by means of undercover officers, gave Mabuza the opportunity to commit a crime.
The state reiterated their previous argument that if Mabuza was to be released on bail, he would and could easily commit a similar crime. On this point the defence made the case that the only previous conviction Mabuza had was in 1992 and that he was thus not likely to be involved in suspicious activity if he was released. After this senior state advocate Vernon Nemaroani made a very emotional case for the denial of Mabuza’s bail.
“South Africa is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Rhinos are now critically endangered. The court is there to protect species like this and we have to come up with solutions.”
The defence argued that Mr Big had health problems and struggled to walk.
Nemaroani said that our country’s diversity attracted a lot of tourists and the threat of species becoming extinct had a negative impact on this lucrative industry. He referred to the previous testimony by investigating officer Col Johan Jooste, who placed Mabuza at the scene of the crime and defined him as a level three player in the poaching syndicate.
“He does not get his hands dirty, but pays others to do the work for him,” Nemaroani said, adding that this directly links him to the crime. The issue of the rifle found on Mabuza’s Elawini property was also raised and while the defence said that it was a property that many people had access to, the state said that is was easy to make the necessary deductions.
“It is not coincidence that there was a high-calibre hunting rifle found,” the state said. Coetzee asked that bail be posted at R50 000, but that Mabuza would be able to pay more and that the court could get creative if they are scared that he would become a fugitive. He suggested house arrest as one of the options. The state argued that even house arrest would not prevent Mabuza from engaging in similar activities.
“No amount of money could equate the freedom of the rhinos that get killed everyday,” Nemaroani concluded.The bail judgement was postponed to July 6 at the same court.
https://lowvelder.co.za/440624/mr-big-r ... l-hearing/
Petrus Sydney Mabuza, aka ‘Mr Big’, was denied bail on Friday afternoon.
35 mins ago
WHITE RIVER – Mabuza was arrested in June when he allegedly transacted with undercover police and received two rhino horns.
He was arrested with three other people, who were charged on six counts related to rhino poaching.
Nozwelo Mahumane was released on bail in June. Moshe Thobela and Romance Khoza withdrew their bail applications.
Mabuza was charged with crimes ranging from rhino horn theft to the illegal possession of rifles and live ammunition. His bail application continued on Tuesday.
During the judgement, delivered today, the magistrate ruled that evidence obtained by police during the subsection 252 entrapment was admissable and denied Mabuza bail.
The matter has been postponed to July 27.
‘Mr Big’ receives warm welcome from community at bail hearing – July 6, 12:00
WHITE RIVER – The waiting room for courtroom A at the local Magistrate’s Court was packed to capacity on Tuesday morning with supporters for Petrus Sydney Mabuza, better known as “Mr Big”.
These supporters attended the hearing and greeted Mabuza with open arms and kisses on the hand afterwards. The continuation of this rhino horn kingpin’s bail application started just before 10:00.
The hearing originally started on June 20, after Mabuza was arrested earlier in June when he allegedly transacted with undercover police and received two rhino horns.
He was arrested with three other accused, who were charged on six counts related to rhino poaching. Nozwelo Mahumane was released on bail earlier in June, while it was placed on record that Moshe Thobela and Romance Khoza withdrew their bail application. On June 20 and 21 state witnesses argued that the release of Mabuza on bail would not be in the interest of justice.
On Tuesday advocate SJ Coetzee argued on behalf of Mr Big and highlighted two arguments in favour of bail: The first was that Mabuza was not a flight risk and the second was that he would not be able to interfere with the investigation pending the trial. Coetzee argued that Mabuza is a much-loved and well-respected man in the community and that he has built a family structure.
“He is a successful businessman and has created jobs for a lot of people,” Coetzee said, adding that Mabuza has a fixed income of close to R400 000 per month.Mabuza’s health was also a factor that Coetzee asked the court to take into consideration.
The community came out in their masses to support him.
“The accused was in a car accident in 2015. It is not easy, if not impossible, to become a fugitive in the condition that he is in.” The defence advocate also argued that the charge against Mabuza should have been attempted theft and not theft, as the state, by means of undercover officers, gave Mabuza the opportunity to commit a crime.
The state reiterated their previous argument that if Mabuza was to be released on bail, he would and could easily commit a similar crime. On this point the defence made the case that the only previous conviction Mabuza had was in 1992 and that he was thus not likely to be involved in suspicious activity if he was released. After this senior state advocate Vernon Nemaroani made a very emotional case for the denial of Mabuza’s bail.
“South Africa is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Rhinos are now critically endangered. The court is there to protect species like this and we have to come up with solutions.”
The defence argued that Mr Big had health problems and struggled to walk.
Nemaroani said that our country’s diversity attracted a lot of tourists and the threat of species becoming extinct had a negative impact on this lucrative industry. He referred to the previous testimony by investigating officer Col Johan Jooste, who placed Mabuza at the scene of the crime and defined him as a level three player in the poaching syndicate.
“He does not get his hands dirty, but pays others to do the work for him,” Nemaroani said, adding that this directly links him to the crime. The issue of the rifle found on Mabuza’s Elawini property was also raised and while the defence said that it was a property that many people had access to, the state said that is was easy to make the necessary deductions.
“It is not coincidence that there was a high-calibre hunting rifle found,” the state said. Coetzee asked that bail be posted at R50 000, but that Mabuza would be able to pay more and that the court could get creative if they are scared that he would become a fugitive. He suggested house arrest as one of the options. The state argued that even house arrest would not prevent Mabuza from engaging in similar activities.
“No amount of money could equate the freedom of the rhinos that get killed everyday,” Nemaroani concluded.The bail judgement was postponed to July 6 at the same court.
https://lowvelder.co.za/440624/mr-big-r ... l-hearing/
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Lisbeth
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Re: Arrested "Mr Big" behind 70% of Kruger Poaching?
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Re: Rhino Poaching: Arrests, Prosecutions & Sentencing
https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspee ... ?nid=16522
Media Statement from North West Media Centre
Corporate Communication and Liaison
South African Police Service
Potchefstroom: Tomorrow, 12 July 2018, rhino poaching accused, Arnelo Mhlanga, 39, will appear in the Mogwase Magistrates’ Court facing charges of possession of rhino horns and illegal possession of firearm and ammunition. He has already made his first appearance in the Madikwe Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 4 July 2018.
The accused’s court appearance emanates from his arrest on Monday, 02 July 2018 between Sun City and Madikwe. That was after Nature Conservation game rangers spotted the accused and two other suspects exiting the Pilanesberg Game Reserve in a Mazda bakkie. A car chase allegedly ensued after the rangers followed the suspects’ vehicle.
During the chase, the suspects' vehicle collided with a tree trunk at Silverkraal. The police who responded quickly after being informed about the incident, arrested the accused while two other suspects managed to flee and evaded the arrest. Upon further investigation, six rhino horns, an illegal firearm as well as an axe were found inside the vehicle. Further probe linked the suspect with rhino poaching incident that occurred between 30 June and 1 July 2018 at Pilanesberg Game Reserve.
-Ends-
Enquiries: Captain Aafje Botma: 0828560932
Media Statement from North West Media Centre
Corporate Communication and Liaison
South African Police Service
Potchefstroom: Tomorrow, 12 July 2018, rhino poaching accused, Arnelo Mhlanga, 39, will appear in the Mogwase Magistrates’ Court facing charges of possession of rhino horns and illegal possession of firearm and ammunition. He has already made his first appearance in the Madikwe Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 4 July 2018.
The accused’s court appearance emanates from his arrest on Monday, 02 July 2018 between Sun City and Madikwe. That was after Nature Conservation game rangers spotted the accused and two other suspects exiting the Pilanesberg Game Reserve in a Mazda bakkie. A car chase allegedly ensued after the rangers followed the suspects’ vehicle.
During the chase, the suspects' vehicle collided with a tree trunk at Silverkraal. The police who responded quickly after being informed about the incident, arrested the accused while two other suspects managed to flee and evaded the arrest. Upon further investigation, six rhino horns, an illegal firearm as well as an axe were found inside the vehicle. Further probe linked the suspect with rhino poaching incident that occurred between 30 June and 1 July 2018 at Pilanesberg Game Reserve.
-Ends-
Enquiries: Captain Aafje Botma: 0828560932
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Lisbeth
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Re: Rhino Poaching: Arrests, Prosecutions & Sentencing
Proofs are certainly not missing. Monsters 
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela
The desire for equality must never exceed the demands of knowledge
The desire for equality must never exceed the demands of knowledge
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Richprins
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Re: Rhino Poaching: Arrests, Prosecutions & Sentencing
They always crash their vehicles, these criminals! 
I wonder if he or a friend worked at Pilanesberg?
I wonder if he or a friend worked at Pilanesberg?
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RogerFraser
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Re: Rhino Poaching: Arrests, Prosecutions & Sentencing
https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspee ... ?nid=16524
Media Statement from Limpopo Media Centre
Corporate Communication and Liaison
South African Police Service
The South African Police Service in this Province continues to achieve massive results in the fight against illegal poaching and the mushrooming of illegal firearms in a number of Clusters especially at the areas where the illegal poaching and violent crimes where firearms are used, are prevalent.
This follows the arrest of twelve (12) suspects for illegal poaching and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition during three separate Intelligent led joint operations conducted in the Hoedspruit, Zebediela and Mokopane Policing areas yesterday on 2018-07-10.
Four (04) suspects aged between 23 and 44 were arrested for illegal poaching at a farm in the Hoedspruit Policing area outside Phalaborwa in the Giyani Cluster yesterday on Tuesday 2018-07-10, at about 16:00. The Police received a tip-off about the existence of a group of illegal poachers in one of the local farms, they reacted swiftly, spotted these criminals and apprehended two (02) of them immediately and they were found in possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The Preliminary Police investigations led to the arrest of another suspect driving a get-away car after he was spotted in the same farm, stopped but he did not cooperate and during that process, he was shot and injured and subsequently taken to hospital for medical attention.
The other driver of the second get-away car managed to evade arrest by abandoning the vehicle and fled on foot and he is still being sought. Meanwhile in the Zebediela Policing area outside Lebowakgomo, Police arrested six (06) suspects aged between 23 and 35 for possession of unlicensed firearm during a special intelligent led joint operation.
It is alleged that on 2018-07-10 at around 10:00 in the morning, the Police stopped a suspicious car and searched it near Mathibela Phase 1 village next to Groothoek Garage, and recovered unlicensed firearms. In the Mokopane Policing area, a sting intelligent led joint operation "Ceasefire" was conducted in the CBD and the surrounding areas targeting the mushrooming of drugs and firearms.
During this operation, two (02) suspects aged 25 and 36 were arrested and recovered firearms and ammunition. The following items were recovered during the three (03) separate operations conducted in the Hoedspruit, Zebediela and Mokopane Policing areas:
* Three (03) motor vehicles, Ford, Golf 7 and Toyota Avanza
* Six (06) firearms including a rifle and ammunition
* Food, clothes, axe, knife and four (04) pallets rounds.
The arrested suspects during these operations will appear before the Mokopane, Lebowakgomo and Hoedspruit Magistrate Courts respectively soon.
The Saps Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Lt-Gen Nneke Ledwaba applauded these Team of members from Hoedspruit, Zebediela and Mokopane who acted swiftly to stop and arrested these criminals.
He further appreciated members of the Community who continue supporting the Police in fighting crime through the supply of quality and reliable information at all times. The Police investigations in all this cases are still continuing. Anyone with information that can assist the Police to arrest the remaining suspect in the Hoedspruit incident, may contact Captain Cobra Moriri at 083 381 4313 or the crime stop number 0860010111 or the crime line sms 32211 or nearest Police Station.
-Ends-
Media Statement from Limpopo Media Centre
Corporate Communication and Liaison
South African Police Service
The South African Police Service in this Province continues to achieve massive results in the fight against illegal poaching and the mushrooming of illegal firearms in a number of Clusters especially at the areas where the illegal poaching and violent crimes where firearms are used, are prevalent.
This follows the arrest of twelve (12) suspects for illegal poaching and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition during three separate Intelligent led joint operations conducted in the Hoedspruit, Zebediela and Mokopane Policing areas yesterday on 2018-07-10.
Four (04) suspects aged between 23 and 44 were arrested for illegal poaching at a farm in the Hoedspruit Policing area outside Phalaborwa in the Giyani Cluster yesterday on Tuesday 2018-07-10, at about 16:00. The Police received a tip-off about the existence of a group of illegal poachers in one of the local farms, they reacted swiftly, spotted these criminals and apprehended two (02) of them immediately and they were found in possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The Preliminary Police investigations led to the arrest of another suspect driving a get-away car after he was spotted in the same farm, stopped but he did not cooperate and during that process, he was shot and injured and subsequently taken to hospital for medical attention.
The other driver of the second get-away car managed to evade arrest by abandoning the vehicle and fled on foot and he is still being sought. Meanwhile in the Zebediela Policing area outside Lebowakgomo, Police arrested six (06) suspects aged between 23 and 35 for possession of unlicensed firearm during a special intelligent led joint operation.
It is alleged that on 2018-07-10 at around 10:00 in the morning, the Police stopped a suspicious car and searched it near Mathibela Phase 1 village next to Groothoek Garage, and recovered unlicensed firearms. In the Mokopane Policing area, a sting intelligent led joint operation "Ceasefire" was conducted in the CBD and the surrounding areas targeting the mushrooming of drugs and firearms.
During this operation, two (02) suspects aged 25 and 36 were arrested and recovered firearms and ammunition. The following items were recovered during the three (03) separate operations conducted in the Hoedspruit, Zebediela and Mokopane Policing areas:
* Three (03) motor vehicles, Ford, Golf 7 and Toyota Avanza
* Six (06) firearms including a rifle and ammunition
* Food, clothes, axe, knife and four (04) pallets rounds.
The arrested suspects during these operations will appear before the Mokopane, Lebowakgomo and Hoedspruit Magistrate Courts respectively soon.
The Saps Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Lt-Gen Nneke Ledwaba applauded these Team of members from Hoedspruit, Zebediela and Mokopane who acted swiftly to stop and arrested these criminals.
He further appreciated members of the Community who continue supporting the Police in fighting crime through the supply of quality and reliable information at all times. The Police investigations in all this cases are still continuing. Anyone with information that can assist the Police to arrest the remaining suspect in the Hoedspruit incident, may contact Captain Cobra Moriri at 083 381 4313 or the crime stop number 0860010111 or the crime line sms 32211 or nearest Police Station.
-Ends-