Rhino Poaching: Arrests, Prosecutions & Sentencing

[Flutterby]

Thanks for the updates MD!

[Moggiedog]

I did not go to through to the court today but here is the basic proceedings - thanks to Allison Thomson of OSCAP - taken from OSCAP's FB page

Allison Thomson We are waiting Trudi Ras has gone missing - court cannot start without her being present.
Allison Thomson Found her
Allison Thomson prosecutor says that despite this matter being in court since 12 Nov they have not received any requests for further particulars from any of the defense attorneys.New defense teams have been brought in for accused No 1, 2 and 5. Legal aid lawyer for a...See More
Allison Thomson Accused 9's defense says that 1 April is too soon. his client needs more time to secure funding for his defense. He says it took the state 4 years to prepare this case why must it go to trial in 6 months.
Allison Thomson accused no 10 defense says h
Allison Thomson e has not had time to consult with hIs client yet
Allison Thomson Prosecutor says she is not happy with the defense teams comments. This matter has been postponed for the same reasons previously. These other counsels are delaying. She is very irritated.
Allison Thomson Prosecutor says she will also give all the defense teams Section 220 Admissions by 19 Feb
Allison Thomson prosecutor says 1 April is more than enough time for them to be prepared for trial.
Allison Thomson It appears that this matter will be set down for 3 months in the High Court which the defense teams are having an issue with because of the funding issues with their clients
Allison Thomson Defense for accused no 1 (and 2) says they are still busy with his bail application so have not had time to take instructions regarding further particulars etc. They are also trying to secure funding to pay for their defense.Lawyers for Wilkinson says she is ready to proceed to trial
Allison Thomson prosecutor says she is not prepared to listen to all these excuses for delays.It quite possible for attorneys to take instructiones for bail applications as well as trial issues. If necessary she says she will apply a decicion by the court in terms of Section 342a to stop these delays.
Allison Thomson magistrate says that those that are still trying to secure funds should apply for legal aid so as not to delay the matter.
Allison Thomson Matter will provisionally be postponed to 1 April

[Toko]

Thanks for the update!

[Flutterby]

[Richprins]

[Moggiedog]

Just got home from Pretoria court for Hugo Ras's bail hearing.
The prosecutor requested that the accused confirm that he understands that anything he says in the bail hearing can be used against him. It is also being confirmed that some of the charges are in fact schedule 5.
Once again it has been postponed due to the prosecutor submitting a new affidavit and the defense stating their case had been argued without having reference to the affidavit. Requested a few days to look at it and consult with their client. Bail hearing scheduled for the 18th and 27th February.

Sometimes there are moments - Pictures were being taken of the accused - when he stated
Take as many pictures as you like, I am not a rhino monster and we must wait for the trial and we will see that (and I quote " I LOVE rhino" - yeah right -

Court was delayed due to traffic congestion - then further delayed due to the keys to the door through which they bring prisoners could not be found! The second door that they wanted to use was also locked and no keys available. Eventually Ras was escorted in by way of the public/ legal eagle entrance.

[Flutterby]

Sounds like a circus!

[Lisbeth]

If that's the way that justice work, no wonder................

[Richprins]

Thanks, Moggie!

All the postponements are a moneymaking game by the lawyers!

[Toko]

Would-be rhino poachers arrested
2.2.2015 01.03 pm

Two suspects have been arrested after an intelligence-driven operation by Durban Organised Crime Unit and Special Task Force in KwaZulu-Natal.
Information gathered revealed the suspects were planning to kill two rhino in one of the Safari parks in Pongola, said the Unit.
Police seized a .375 hunting rifle with 5 live rounds of ammunition, a silencer and an axe suspected to have been purposed for dehorning.
The suspects were taken to Pongola Police Station for detention, and they face charges of illegal hunting of rhino and illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.
Both suspects are expected appear in the Pongola Magistrates’ Court today.
KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Mmamonnye Ngobeni applauded the police for the arrests.
“We are thrilled that we managed to prevent crime before it could be executed. We will not stop to fight criminals and do what we swore to do – serve and protect,” said Ngobeni.
In a separate incident, two suspected rhino poachers were arrested after the discovery of two fresh rhino carcasses between Pretoriuskop and Berg-en-Dal, in the Stolsnek area, in the Kruger National Park, last month.
It is believed a ranger on duty heard a gunshot and called for backup.
The rangers managed to track down the poachers about a kilometre from the scene. They were allegedly met with gunfire and were forced to retaliate.
A .458 hunting rifle, together with five spent cartridges, an axe and two rhino horns were seized.
The department of environmental affairs announced last month that a record number of 1215 rhino were poached in 2014.
The year 2014 saw a total of 386 arrests compared to 343 in 2013, said the department.
- Caxton News Service