Moshe Thobela (Alias TK) 33, was found guilty and sentenced by the Skukuza Specialised Court on Friday, 12 July 2024, for Contravening Sec 57 (1) of Act10 2004 – possession of two rhino horns.
The sentence follows after a lengthy investigation carried forward by the Nelspruit and Middelburg based Serious Organised Crime Investigation together with Wildlife Trafficking Head Office, Counter CI Head Office, KNP Rangers and Prosecutor Adv M Mashuga from Pretoria DPP.
The sentence emanated from Project: Broadbill, which was aimed at addressing rhino trafficking activities.
On 12 June 2018, Operation Billfish, which forms part of Project Broadbill, was executed at Hazyview and Witbank, respectively. Thobela and his other accomplices were arrested for dealing and possession of two rhino horns.
After a series of court appearances, Thobela was found guilty and sentenced on Friday, 12 July 2024, as follows: R150 000.00 or three years imprisonment. Further declared unfit to possess firearm.
The Provincial Head Major General Gerber welcomed the sentence and applauded the multidisciplinary team for work done.
The Provincial Head concluded by urging the public to blow the whistle on these heartless criminals who pillage our natural wildlife.
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