Two illegal poachers, Benedict Beukes(28) and Quinton Steenkamp(30), they were sentenced eight year prison in the Springbok Magistrates’ Court last week Friday, 01 December 2023.
Lt. Col. Sergio Kock said the Beukes and Steenkamp were hand cuffed by the Springbok Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit on the 01 December 2020.
“The police arrested them on the N7 near Springbok when they were found in possession of Conophytum Pellucidum and Conophytum Pagea plants worth about R100 000-00,” he said.
According to Kock, the illegal poachers admitted to the deed on a charge of dealing in protected plants last year, 22 February 2022.
The Springbok Magistrates’ Court sentenced the duo on the 01 December 2023 to eight(8) years imprisonment of which two years is suspended.
“The Namakwa District Commissioner, Brig Schalk Andrews commended Capt Karel Du Toit and his STESU team for the well planned operation, meticulous investigation and outstanding sentence that was handed down to the protected plant poachers/dealers” said Kock.
