Two accused, Ntsako Miaas Maluleke (37) and Phanuel Vutivi Chabalala (36) were sentenced yesterday, 15 July 2024 in the Kempton Park Regional court for receiving, possession, transporting and exporting of rhino horns in contravention of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA).
It is reported that the duo, Maluleke and Chabalala were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) on 18 August 2018 while they were enroute to Vietnam with two boxes containing 27 rhino horns. The total weight of the horns was 29,47kg with an estimated value was R2.9million.
They were both charged with receiving, possession, transporting and exporting of rhino horns. The pair appeared at Kempton Park Regional court where they faced 8 counts of contravening sec 57(1) NEMBA Act 10/2004. They were granted bail of R2000 each on 20 August 2018. Whilst still on bail, they both absconded in September 2019 and were traced and re-arrested in 2020 in Vhuwani.
Both accused were found guilty on 19 May 2024 on all 8 counts and their case was postponed to 15 July 2024 for sentencing. Yesterday, the pair was sentenced as follows:
Count 1&2: Each accused sentenced to 5 years imprisonment.
Count 3&4: Each accused sentenced to 5 years imprisonment.
Count 5&6: Each accused sentenced to 5 years imprisonment.
Count 7&8: Each accused sentenced to 5 years imprisonment.
The total sentence for each accused is twenty (20) years of which five (5) years imprisonment is suspended for five (5) years on condition that the accused are not convicted on the same charges committed during the period of suspension. Effectively, each accused is to serve fifteen (15) years direct imprisonment. Both accused were declared unfit to possess a firearm.