Plant poachers get slapped with jail sentences of 15 years each
The Calvinia regional court has sentenced four people to 15 years imprisonment each for
The plants, commonly known as the miracle bush lily or Oorlogskloof bush lily, are estimated to carry a black-market value of R6 million to R30 million.
The rare species is endemic to parts of the Northern and Western Cape and is highly sought after in the illicit global plant trade.
The four individuals — Mark Daddy (43), Raphael Mhashu (25), Simbarashe Charanelura (33) and Elton Ngwanati (34) — were arrested on 20 April last year after being found in possession of the endangered specimens.
They were convicted on charges relating to the illegal harvesting of protected plant species and breaches of South Africa's immigration legislation. Sentencing took place on 3 July.
The department of forestry, fisheries and the environment said the conviction reflects a broader trend of organised criminal syndicates expanding
This is driven by high international demand, particularly in Asian markets. 'These crimes threaten biodiversity, disrupt ecosystems, and push already vulnerable species closer to extinction,' it said.
The conviction is a critical milestone in the country's fight against environmental crime, said Environment Minister
'The department will continue to strengthen enforcement, build international partnerships, and work closely with police and prosecutors to stop the illegal trade in wildlife and plants.'
George commended the South African Police Service, the National Prosecuting Authority and all other officials involved, including investigating officer Constable Danver Matthys and prosecutor Darryl Bromkamp, for their dedication in securing this outcome.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald
20 hours ago
- The Herald
Pastor accused of murdering 12-year-old family member denied bail
A man accused of kidnapping, raping and murdering his 12-year-old sister-in-law in Motherwell has been denied bail. It is alleged that on June 24, the 39-year-old, who is also a pastor and founder of the Holy Burning Fire Ministries of God, kidnapped Lithaliyanda Ntoni and took her to bushes in NU6, Motherwell, murdered her and set her body alight. She was reported missing after she failed to return home from a nearby shop earlier that day. Her burnt body was discovered in the bushes in the early hours of June 27. 'The state opposed bail because the murder was [allegedly] premeditated, there was a likelihood of him evading trial and he could use his influence to threaten witnesses,' National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said. The matter was postponed to August 28 for further investigation. 'The NPA remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring that justice is served for victims of violent crime, especially those who are most vulnerable in our society,' Tyali said. The Herald
The Herald
20 hours ago
- The Herald
Further delays in pretrial proceedings for AKA murder accused
Pretrial conference proceedings for five men allegedly linked to the murder of popular rapper Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes did not go ahead in the Durban high court on Thursday. Judge Jacqueline Henriques chastised prosecutor advocate Elvis Gcweka and called for the state to get its house in order as all the documents were not collected. Forbes and his friend Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane were shot dead outside the now-defunct Wish restaurant in Florida Road in February 2023. Thabani Mkhwanazi, 30, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, 35, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, 21, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, 36, and Lindokuhle Mhlaliseni Ndimande, 29, were arrested in February last year in connection with the murders. Their family members were present in court. According to Gcweka, at least 45 witnesses are expected to testify in the trial which is expected to run into two sessions, starting in July, and later in October 2026. However, these dates were yet to be confirmed by KwaZulu-Natal judge president Thoba Poyo-Dlwati. Gcweka said the state would lead evidence from CCTV footage, vehicle tracking and cellphone footage. In June, Poyo-Dlwati asked the state and defence to iron out issues at what was expected to be a pretrial conference when senior prosecutor Lawrence Gcaba asked for a postponement to July 24. Sibusiso Dlamini, standing in for advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa who is handing another matter in the Newcastle magisterial district, said Mkhwanazi and [Lindokuhle] Ndimande have certain admissions which they do not agree upon. Henriques said she would not certify the trial ready until the additional statements are obtained. Advocate Jimmy Howse, who represents Ndimande, said he wanted additional statements from the witnesses and wanted to avoid an 'ambush' in court. The matter was adjourned to August 13. TimesLIVE
The Herald
20 hours ago
- The Herald
Former Northern Cape cop who stole to feed his drug addiction jailed
The De Aar regional court has sentenced former police constable Thanduxolo Kwindla to an effective eight years of direct imprisonment after convicting him on four counts of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft. Kwindla, 38, who resigned from the police shortly before committing the offences, carried out the housebreakings between August 2021 and April 2023 in Nonzwakazi location, where he lived. His modus operandi involved breaking into homes during the evening and stealing valuable items to support his drug addiction. The stolen goods were worth about R35,000, said Northern Cape NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane. Kwindla was arrested in April 2023 and remained in custody until the finalisation of the matter. In aggravation of sentence, prosecutor Xolisa March emphasised the seriousness and prevalence of housebreaking and theft in the area. She argued that as a former officer of the law, the accused had betrayed public trust and acted with full awareness of the unlawfulness of his actions. The court also considered two victim impact statements, facilitated by court preparation officer Trott Manghana, which outlined the emotional and financial toll on the victims. In delivering the sentence, the court acknowledged Kwindla's circumstances but stressed the severity of his crimes and their impact on both victims and the broader community. He was sentenced to three years' imprisonment on each count, with the court ordering that, in terms of section 280 of the Criminal Procedure Act, the sentences run concurrently, amounting to an effective eight-year sentence. TimesLIVE
