Women found guilty of conspiring to hunt rhinos to face jail time?
They are likely to be the first women to be convicted of rhino poaching in KZN
Two women appeared in court today (Tuesday) for sentencing regarding charges of conspiring to hunt rhinos. However, after a day of hearing testimony during sentencing, Magistrate Barney Visagie postponed the matter for tomorrow.
32-year-old Confidence Angel Mlambo and 22-year-old Nokwanda Khumalo were found guilty in the Regional Court in July last year after facing charges of ‘conspiracy to hunt rhinos’ and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
They appeared today for sentencing and Magistrate Visagie heard evidence in mitigation of sentencing.
The court heard the outcome of the findings of a social worker assigned to the case.
Confidence Mlambo (accused 1) was described as a single mother of two children, residing with her children in Durban (her place of employment), who travelled once a month to a homestead in Weenen. She is the breadwinner of her family and showed remorse for the crime she had committed.
Nokwanda Khumalo (accused 2) is also a single mother of two children. However, the children are taken care of by their grandparents. As she works in Pietermaritzburg, she visits her homestead every weekend. Accused 2 showed no remorse when interviewed by the social worker.
Both accused are out on bail of R2500 each and are set to appear in court tomorrow for sentencing.
The women were found guilty after being caught with a high-powered rifle in a game park in the Weenen area by police. They are the first women in the province to face charges linked to rhino poaching.
The arrests came after skilful intervention by the Newcastle Organised Crime Unit, yielding a triumphant breakthrough in the relentless battle against rhino poaching.
It is alleged that the women were preparing to have two rhinos at Weenen Game Reserve killed and de-horned for the princely sum of R500,000.
They, however, foolishly chose to confide their plans to an undercover police officer.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
If you are reading this on your cellphone and there are telephone numbers provided in the text, you can call these simply by clicking on them.
To receive news links via WhatsApp.
For the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter why not join us there?
