GAUTENG: Bhekokwakhe Nxumalo (37) and Sizwe Nkosi (33) have on Monday, 15 July 2024 been sentenced by the Kempton Park Magistrate Court for the contravention of Section 57(1) National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), Act 10 of 2004.

Nxumalo and Nkosi were arrested on 29 January 2020 when members from the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation and Crime Intelligence Head Office received information about two suspects from Pongola in Kwa-Zulu Natal who are in possession of two rhino horns and were looking for buyers for the horns.

The two accused came to meet up with an alleged buyer (a police agent) at Emperors Palace in Kempton where they informed the buyer that they were selling two rhino horns for R840 000 the alleged buyer then alerted officers which led to the arrest of the two. Upon searching the two vehicles the two were travelling in two rhino horns were found in one car and seized. During the investigation it was established that the two rhino horns were actually fake however the court maintained that the accused be charged for contravention of Section 57(1) NEMBA, Act 10 of 2004.

On Monday, 15 July 2024 the Kempton Park Magistrate Court sentenced Nxumalo and Nkosi R10,000 fine or (2) years direct imprisonment, suspended for (5) years on condition that both accused are not convicted of the same act during the period of suspension.

Enquiries: Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela

071 481 3473