By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A man was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Kuruman Regional Court. This comes after Stanford Hatidani (42) was convicted on three counts of Restricted Activities Involving Specially Protected Species, Protected Species, and Indigenous Species in terms of the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act 9 of 2009. On 14 June 2022.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said, the state’s first witness, an ambulance driver, out of concern, stopped at a bakkie and a truck standing next to the N14 Highway between Kuruman and Kathu.

“On enquiring whether everything was okay, he became suspicious when he saw plants being loaded from the bakkie onto the truck and alerted the Kuruman- neighbourhood watch and the South African Police Service.

“On entering Kuruman, both the bakkie and truck were pulled over by the neighbourhood watch and the SAPS. On further investigation, a total amount of 2850 endangered and protected plants were found, which included five different species with a combined international value of over R9 million,” said Senokoatsane.

He further said, that the accused, being the driver of the truck, tried to downplay the situation by indicating that he was only assisting the people of a broken-down bakkie to transport these plants to Johannesburg.

Senokoatsane added that, Hatidani was arrested and pleaded not guilty to all the charges conferred against him. He said the accused disputed that, the truck he was driving was carrying illegal plants.

“During the trial, the Regional Court Prosecutor, Advocate Sherlaine Smith, emphasized the impact of these offences on nature conservation and the communities, where these plants are poached from.

“Smith further argued that, these offenses are of such a serious nature that the legislature deemed it necessary to have a specific Act relating to such offenses – The Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act 9 of 2009,” said Senokoatsane.

In strengthening the state’s case, the prosecutor provided the court with expert and compelling statements from Botanist and Zoologist, Adam Harrower, as evidence, that indicated that the accused were very specific about the species he was targeting. Harrower told the court that, from the large size and great age of these plants, the accused was to sell them for immediate commercial gain.

Smith said the astounding quantity of large trophy plants collected indicated no restraint or ecological sensitivity, which shows a complete disregard for nature and the law.

“The prosecution also argued that, when looking at the evidence before the court, the people and vehicles involved and the planning, show the sophisticated manner in which the poachers operate and the only inference that can be drawn, is that syndicates are involved in the commission of these offenses.

“These plants were to be taken out of the country once they have reached Johannesburg. The main objective of poachers of these protected plants is for them to reach the international market, where it is seen as a status symbol,” she said.

Smith continued by emphasizing the fact that, there is a high prevalence of poaching of these plants in the Northern Cape, and are increasing in numbers at a shockingly high rate.

After a lengthy trial and the state calling four witnesses, the court believed that the evidence adduced by the state was overwhelming and that the state had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. The accused was consequentially found guilty of all 3 charges and sentenced to 10 years of direct imprisonment (all 3 charges were taken together for sentencing).

“NPA lauded the work of the prosecution as well as the vigilant conduct of the ambulance driver, whose observant nature, and prompt actions led to the arrest of the accused.

“The Prosecuting Authority also commends the rapid response by members of the South African Police Service in ensuring that the suspect is apprehended. The NPA remains committed to the fight against the poaching and plundering of our country’s natural resources and the protection of our flora and fauna,” said Senokoatsane.

taungdailynews@gmail.com