2024/12/01 |
Media Statement MPUMALANGA – The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation Major General Gerber welcomed the sentence of the two Mozambican brothers, Jose Carlos Mausse Matsinhe (37) and Ivon Alberto Matsinhe, who were sentenced by the Boschfontein Regional Court on Thursday, 27 November 2024 for Contravention of the Immigration Act, Contravention of the Marine living resources Act and National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 (NEMBA). Their sentence followed after information was received and operationalised by police from the port of entry, regarding a white Isuzu single cab bakkie destined to the border. The vehicle was identified, stopped and searched. At the back of the bakkie, they found five bags of cement, two wood pallets and two aluminium window frames. They continued with the search, and in front behind the seat, they found eleven paper bags presented as potatoes. They opened the bags and established that they contained dry abalone. The abalone weighed 108.15 kg with an estimated street value of R648 900-00. The two Mozambican nationals were arrested, charged and detained. They appeared at Komatipoort Magistrates Court on Monday, 29 July 2024. The accused appeared in court on several occasions until they were sentenced on Thursday as follows: Count 1 and 2, Contravention of the Immigration Act no 13 of 2002, both accused sentenced to 8 (Eight) years imprisonment, wholly suspended for the period of 3 (three) years on condition that the accused do not contravene the Immigration law of Republic of South Africa. Count 2 for accused 2 contravention of the Marine living resources Act Act 18, section 58(2) of 1998, sentenced to R70.000 or 2 (two) years imprisonment of which 1(one) year suspended. Abalone to be forfeited to the State.
The Provincial Head further applauded the investigative team together with the Prosecution Authority for ensuring that justice prevails, though the he expressed his concerns regarding suspended sentences imposed on offenders. He urged the community to continue providing information about illegal activities around them. We shall carry our mandate forward without fear or favour. He concluded.
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