Question NW2212 to the Minister of Environmental Affairs
28 November 2016 - NW2212
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
What is she doing in providing evidence that can assist in the trial proceeding against a certain person (name furnished) that has been linked to a web of corruption and implicated by other rhino poachers who claimed to have worked for the poaching kingpin while the person upon confrontation by the police confirmed his intention not to stop killing rhinos?
Reply:
Please note that neither the Department of Environmental Affairs nor I can provide evidence that can assist in the trial of the person referred to in the question. However, the South African Police Service’s Directorate: Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) arrested the said person and associates on 18 December 2014 and the investigation was successfully finalised. The syndicate members were consequently brought before the Hluhluwe magistrates court after their arrest. Although bail was formally opposed by the prosecutor, the magistrate ruled in favour of the accused and they were subsequently released on R10 000,00 bail each. The matter is currently on the court roll at the Ngwelezane Regional Court. The matter has been postponed on numerous occasions due to change of legal representation on the part of the accused. We are advised that a final court date will be determined within the next month and that the investigation and prosecution team have gathered sufficient evidence and have been ready to proceed with the trial since the arrest of the syndicate members.
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