Man sentenced after being bust with protected plants worth R6 million

THE MOTHIBISTAD Regional Court convicted and sentenced 24-year-old Tatenda Mawere on charges related to the transportation and possession of specially protected plants without a permit.

Additionally, Mawere was found guilty of contravening the Immigration Act.

According to Northern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Tebogo Thebe, the arrest occurred on February 20 after Kathu-based members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team reacted to a call for assistance from Olifantshoek SAPS members.

During a routine vehicle checkpoint conducted by SAPS officers, a white minibus taxi caught their attention. The vehicle attempted to bypass the search process, prompting further scrutiny. Inside the minibus, officers discovered a bag containing unidentified plants. Authorities immediately questioned the ownership of the plants and whether proper permits were in place for their transport.

Unable to provide a satisfactory explanation, Mawere and two other suspects were taken into custody. The police seized both the plants and the minibus, valued at R900,000, for further investigation.

An expert assessment revealed that the plants held a staggering value of R6 million on the black market.

Three suspects, including Mawere, were arrested in connection with the offence: two Zimbabwean nationals and one South African citizen.

While Mawere pleaded guilty, the trial for his two co-accused has been separated and postponed to August 19, 2024. Both individuals are currently out on bail pending further legal proceedings.

Mawere was found guilty as charged and sentenced as follows by the Mothibistad Regional Court:

Count 1: A fine of R20,000 or two years’ imprisonment; an additional sentence of five years, wholly suspended for a period of five years, provided that the accused avoids conviction on the same charge during this suspension.

Count 2: Twelve months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years, contingent upon the accused refraining from committing the same offence during the suspension period.

Furthermore, Mawere has been declared unfit to possess a firearm under section 103 of the Firearm Control Act 60 of 2020.