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Media Statement NORTHERN CAPE – Springbok Regional Court sentenced 24 year old Hanro Owies to direct imprisonment for contravention of National Environmental Management Act (NEMBA) and contravention of the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act. The sentencing took place on Wednesday, 09 April 2025. In December 2022, The Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team based in Springbok, received intelligence driven information on illegal transportation and trading of the Conophytum plant (protected plant) in the Garies area. As per the information, the accused was supposed to meet with the buyer next to a private farm on N7 route. The investigation team proceeded to pick a spot next to the same route on N7 to Garies for observation duties. The accused came straight to the law enforcement motor vehicle under the impression that it’s the buyer and he was immediately placed under arrest with 2863 Conophytum protected plants which were also seized. On count one of Contravention of Sec 50(d), transportation of 2863 protected plants without permit, the accused was sentenced to eight years’ direct imprisonment. Count two, Contravention of Sec 50(f), trade of 2863 protected plants without a permit, eight years’ direct imprisonment, the sentence shall run concurrently. The court saw if fit to declare the accused unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 (1) of the Firearm Control Act 60 of 2000. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation-Provincial Head in the Northern Cape, Major General Steven Mabuela commended the team for their timeous response in dealing with intelligence driven information received. Ends
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