Ntsaku Prince Letswele, a 27-year-old repeat offender in rhino horn possession cases, was sentenced to 12 years in prison by the Ermelo Regional Court on Monday, July 1, 2024.
This was conveyed in a statement by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) on Wednesday.
The conviction stems from two separate incidents of rhino horn possession in December 2022 and March 2023.
According to the statement from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS), Letswele's first arrest occurred on December 8, 2022. Acting on a tip-off, Ermelo police intercepted a Toyota double cab carrying Letswele and his co-accused, Junior Jorge Chauke, 42.
Despite an attempt to flee, both suspects were apprehended. A search of the vehicle revealed four rhino horns hidden in the bonnet, valued at R876,000.
Following their initial court appearances, both suspects were granted bail. However, Letswele's criminal activities continued. On March 9, 2023, he was arrested again when police stopped a white Nissan Qashqai on the R543 road towards Piet Retief. This time, two rhino horns valued at R607,260 were discovered.
The Ermelo Regional Court found Letswele guilty on three counts related to these incidents. He received a sentence of 18 years imprisonment, with 6 years suspended for 5 years, conditional on not being convicted of similar offenses during the suspension period.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of the seized rhino horns to the state, underscoring the severity of wildlife crimes in South Africa.
Notably, Letswele's co-accused from the first incident, Junior Jorge Chauke, remains at large. Law enforcement has circulated his information in the media and is calling for public assistance in locating him.
This case highlights the ongoing battle against rhino poaching in South Africa and the legal system's efforts to deter such crimes through strict sentencing. It also emphasizes the importance of public cooperation in combating wildlife trafficking.
The HAWKS urge anyone with information about Chauke or other related crimes to report to the police, as community involvement remains crucial in the fight against rhino poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
Source: https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=54150