The KwaZulu-Natal killers of a critically endangered Seychelles tortoise have had various sentences handed down to them by a Pietermaritzburg court for their efforts. Practising sangoma Sindisiwe Mkhize (45), with her co-accused Nhlanhla Ngcobo, Siyabonga Dlamini, Bongani and Sithembiso Gumede, were found guilty of the unlawful actions of stealing the 100kg, 75-year-old tortoise from the Lion Park just outside the city, transporting it to Mkhize’s residence and then hacking it up for muti.
According to Maureen Zimu of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, a SAPS officer happened to drive past the sangoma’s house and saw people chopping up a tortoise in the garden. He immediately summoned up detectives responsible for dealing with wildlife crimes. “The investigation drew on the expertise of a reptile expert, the SPCA and Ezemvelo. At the scene of the crime, parts of other endangered species such as lion, leopard, and water leguaan were discovered. These and many other animal parts were confiscated from Mkhize’s house,” Zimu said. The sangoma was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for five years, and 150 hours of community service.
She was also prevented from obtaining any form of wildlife permit for a period of six months.Ngcobo was sentenced to 12 months’ jail time suspended for five years, and 100 hours of community service. Dlamini, Sibiya and Gumede each received a sentence of 12 months suspended for five years. The community service will be served with Ezemvelo and the accused will be involved in a programme to eradicate alien plants. R od Potter of the KZN Wildlife Crime Working Group welcomed the sentences, saying, “The accused will now be able to contribute to the improvement of the environment. Their lengthy awaiting-trial imprisonment prior to the finalisation of the case, and the remorse shown by the accused, enabled the court to hand down these appropriate sentences.” – Staff reporter
