By OBAKENG MAJE
A 43-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to 24 months imprisonment to pay an R25 000 fine by the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court on Friday. Nyoni Mambunganye was found guilty of contravening Customs & Excise Act 91 of 1964 by failing to declare goods upon entering the Republic.
The accused was arrested on 01 August 2023 at the Kopfontein Border Post after he had allegedly lied to SARS Customs officials that the truck he was driving was not carrying cargo. Upon searching the truck, officials allegedly found master cases of cigarettes concealed in hidden compartments.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said after entering into a plea agreement with the State when he appeared in court, Mambunganye was found guilty and sentenced to R25 000 fine or 24 months imprisonment.
Meanwhile, Trevor Oosthuizen (50), Virginia Motshabi (50), and Ernest Langa (54) were on Thursday, sentenced to five years wholly suspended sentence by the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court, after they were found guilty of unlawful dealing in and trafficking in wildlife. Mathebula further said the accused were given a wholly suspended sentence on condition that they pay R40 000 each to the Johannesburg Wildlife Hospital.
“In April 2022, the accused along with the fourth accused, who has absconded after being granted bail, were arrested at Mahikeng Mall after they were caught in possession of a pangolin. They were arrested soon after trying to sell the pangolin to a buyer for the value of R250 000.
“The accused made a series of court appearances until their conviction and sentencing. A warrant of arrest has since been issued against the fourth accused who is still at large,” he added.
Meanwhile, The Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho, and the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari lauded the investigation and prosecution team for their collaboration and resultant convictions. They have assured the public that the Directorate and NPA will continue to work together to address crimes against endangered species.
The Guardian 