Police banned from providing comment on Moz’ poaching case

[Toko]

Lowvelder: Police banned from providing comment on Mozambicans’ poaching case

Skukuza SAPS’ spokesman indicated that he is not allowed to speak to the media about any cases involving rhino poaching.

MBOMBELA – Three residents of Magadu Village in Mozambique appeared in the Nelspruit Regional Court on Tuesday on charges relating to the poaching of a rhino in the Kruger National Park (KNP) in October last year.

Mr Silva Thibane (32), Mr Gitto Zitha (23) and Mr Aboxidi Mucindi (19) were arrested in October after they allegedly poached a rhino in the (KNP) Tshokwane region on October 5. It was alleged that they had entered the park without valid entrance permits while carrying an unlicenced .375 hunting rifle and ammunition. The case against them was postponed on Tuesday.

At the time of going to print, the next court date could not be confirmed yet. Lowvelder directed this and other questions regarding the case to the Skukuza SAPS’ spokesman, WO Oubaas Coetzer. He indicated that he is not allowed to comment on criminal cases relating to rhino.

This follows after environmental affairs minister, Ms Edna Molewa announced on March 3 that poaching statistics would henceforth be released “when it suits the department.” This decision had been met with great resistance as embodied in a petition that was posted on Avaaz, a global community petition network, by DA deputy shadow minister Ms Terri Stander. Stander pleaded for support by stating that rhino-poaching incidents, arrest and conviction statistics should be published in the interests of transparency and accountability to the South African public. The online petition has since been closed and delivered to the minister, who has not addressed it.

[Richprins]

Ja! Don't talk about it, and the problem will go away!

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