Question NW2286 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
31 August 2017 - NW2286
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(a) What progress has been made with regard to certain cases (names and details furnished) in the prosecutorial process and (b) without disclosing privileged information, (i) what are the next steps in the process and (ii) by what date will the specified steps be taken?
Reply:
(a) S v (names and details furnished)
The matter relates to a rhino crime syndicate in the Musina district and involves 1870 counts of rhino crimes and racketeering. The next appearance date for the case is 29 January 2018. One of the accused has lodged representations and the process of considering such representations is currently underway.
(b) S v (names and details furnished) (syndicate)
The matter relates to 318 counts of rhino-related crimes and racketeering; including theft of rhino horns from the Nature Conservation office in Giyani. The next appearance date is 15 September 2017 in the North Gauteng High Court. The motion application in which, inter alia, the presumptions contained in certain provincial legislation are being questioned, is being addressed.
(c) S v (names and details furnished)
This matter involves a (names and details furnished) who is involved in large scale dealing in rhino horn. He and accomplices are charged with, among others, various counts of C/S 57 of NEMBA. The matter has been postponed to 31 August 2017 for a new attorney and an application by the State for the recusal of the magistrate.
(d) S v (names and details furnished)
There are 12 accused in the matter, two of whom are members of SAPS. The accused are regarded as a rhino poaching syndicate also involved in other kinds of crime. The case against has been remanded to 28 November 2017 in the regional court, Skukuza. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) North Gauteng has directed that the case must be transferred to the High Court for trial and the case has been remanded awaiting the High Court date.
(e) S v (names and details furnished) and Others
The accused were charged with counts of dealing in rhino horn; alternatively possession of rhino horn. The trial was scheduled to take place on
23 August 2017, but Accused no 1 was murdered with his wife a few days prior to the commission of the trial. The matter has subsequently been postponed to
6 September 2017 for the State to consider its position against Accused no 2 and 3.