Three accused persons who were charged with the illegal possession and transportation of protected plants are expected to reappear in the Olifantshoek District Court on February 29.
THREE ACCUSED persons who were charged with the illegal possession and transportation of protected plants are expected to reappear in the Olifantshoek District Court on Thursday.
The trio – Moropo Mpe, 43, Tatenda Mawere, 24, and Tichaona Mashava, 33 – were arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team and the Olifantshoek SAPS on February 20 and made a brief court appearance on February 22.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Tebogo Thebe said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation members arrived at a vehicle checkpoint being conducted by SAPS members.
“A white minibus taxi was stopped after it attempted to drive through without being searched,” said Thebe.
“During a search, a bag full of unknown plants was found inside the vehicle. The accused were unable to provide a satisfactory explanation as to who the plants belonged to or produce the necessary permits to carry and transport the plants.”
Thebe added that the police seized the plants and a vehicle valued at R900,000 for further investigation.
“The matter was postponed until Thursday for confirmation of the accused’s addresses and passports.”
