The Northern Cape department of agriculture, environmental affairs, rural development and land reform, together with community members of Kuruman, have applauded law enforcement and the judiciary for clamping down on the increasing poaching of protected species and plants.
Media Liaison officer Bongani Silingile said the recent sentencing of four foreign nationals to ten years in prison is going to go a long way to send a strong and harsh message to those who tempter with protected species and plants.
Illegal activities rooted out
“The trio came under the authorities’ radar in 2022 when they were apprehended for the illegal possession of specially protected species of plants without the requisite permits.
“Following a thorough investigation, the three individuals cooperated with law enforcement, leading to the identification and arrest of a fourth suspect. This suspect was caught driving a truck loaded with the aforementioned protected plants,” he said.
Silingile said all the four suspects were arrested and detained where they were charged under the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act 09 of 2009.
“During the time of the arrest, the suspects were found to have a combined number of 2 850 plants with an approximate value of R 446 500.
“The department applauds all role players for the successful conviction and sentencing of restricted activities involving specially protected species or plants,” he said.
Silingile explained that the department has expressed its appreciation for the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved in ensuring the successful conviction and sentencing of individuals engaged in restricted activities related to protected species and plants.
“The successful sentencing and prosecutions will send a strong message that the perpetrators of the protected species will face the full might of the law,” Silingile.
Stock thieves cripple farmers
Saamtrek Saamwerk coordinator Sehularo Sehularo said collaborations between communities, police and judiciary was critical to ensure that not only protected species sentences are harsher but also of stock theft.
“We appreciate such news it brings comfort to us as farmers that the police are on the ground and combating crime. We will also like to see harsh sentences going out for stock theft because many lives and careers have been dented with stock theft not only in the province but across the country.
“Crime will not take us anywhere but would lead to jobs being lost and the economy not growing as it is supposed to,” he said.
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