No bail for ‘Big Joe’-protesters
Hoedspruit residents protested at the court appearance of the alleged rhino poaching kingpin, Joseph ‘Big Joe’ Nyalunga (58). Nyalunga remains in custody after appearing before the Hoedspruit Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, June 15.
His case was postponed to July 6 and 7. Nyalunga was arrested on Saturday, May 27 in Kampersrus after a car chase involving the police. He allegedly has a long history of poaching and was first arrested in 2011 after being on police’s radar for several months. Rhino horns and a large amount of cash were discovered in his car at the time. After his arrest, he was released on bail.
In 2012 he was behind bars once again after being trapped in an undercover police sting operation in Hazyview where he was once again found with rhino horns in his vehicle. On May 27, he was traced in a joint intelligence operation conducted by the Limpopo Stock Theft Unit, Hoedspruit police, Farm Watch, and the CPF. He was arrested after he crashed into another vehicle near Kampersrus.
Also read: Alleged rhino poaching ‘kingpin’s’ reign of terror ends
Minutes before his fleeing spree came to a halt, he allegedly stopped in the middle of the road where another suspect jumped from the vehicle dropping a black bag in the road. When the police searched the vehicle that Nyalunga was driving, they discovered a stack of cash wrapped in a plastic bag hidden under the back seat. They found knives, a rifle, and ammunition in the bag on the road. Residents marched in protest of the possibility that Nyalunga might receive bail.
Also read: Alleged poaching kingpin caught
Hoedspruit Town Watch and Farm Watch said they estimate that during the two hours of the protest, approximately 150 to 200 residents, farmers, conservationists, students, young and old people from all walks of life and a good representation of the country’s demographics, took part in the march. “The Black Mambas taught us a thing or two in terms of singing and protesting peacefully,” they said.
Hoedspruit Farm Watch started a petition in protest of possible bail; it has currently 3731 signatures. “He has accumulated a very long list of charges against him over the years, ranging from rhino poaching to murder. “We invite all members of the global wildlife community to stand in unity against bail for this man. “If you did not make it to the court to show your support, please sign this petition in solidarity against his bail application. Please help us reach 10 000 signatures before July 6.” To sign the petition, go to www.change.org and search for the petition on the website.
