11 January 2024

MEDIA STATEMENT : DEPT WELCOMES THE SUCCESFUL CONVICTION AND SENTECING OF FOUR ZIMBABWEAN NATIONALS IN KURUMAN

The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform welcomes the successful convictions and 10 years sentencing of four male Zimbabwean Nationals by the Kuruman Magistrate Court in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality.

The three males were arrested in 2022 after they were found in possession of Specially Protected Species/Plants without permits. After inquiries were made the three lead the police to the arrest of the fourth suspect who was driving a truck and found to be having those plants. All four suspects were arrested and detained. They were ultimately charged under the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act Act 09 of 2009.

During the time of the arrest the suspects were found to be in possession of a combined number of 2850 plants with an approximate value of Four hundred forty-six thousand five hundred rand (R446 500)

The Department applaud all role players for the successful conviction and sentencing of restricted activities involving Specially Protected Species/Plants.

The successful sentencing and prosecutions will send a strong message that the perpetrators of the Specially Protected Species will face the full might of the law. END

Mr Bongani Silingile – Media Liaison Officer
Office of the MEC
Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs,
Rural Development and Land Reform
Cell: 082 675 1841
Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
http://daerl.ncpg.gov.za/