Two former officials of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries received their sentences in the Western Cape High Court after they were apprehended for allegedly colluding with abalone poachers in 2018.
Also read: Suspect arrested in Constantia in R2 million abalone bust
Winston Busch and Nomvuyo Motloung allegedly sold seized abalone and escorted illegal abalone shipments. They were caught in an integrated takedown operation conducted by Hawks members attached to the Economic Protected Resources, the Tactical Response Team, the Special Task Force, the Asset Forfeiture Unit and officials from the department.
News24 reports that Busch received five-year sentences for several charges, including managing and participating in illegal activities of an enterprise, money laundering, corruption and possession of abalone. All the sentences will run concurrently.
Motloung received a three-year correctional supervision sentence for managing and participating in the illegal activities of an enterprise. In addition, she also received fully suspended sentences for money laundering, corruption and possession of abalone.
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About nine marine inspectors from the department allegedly colluded with a syndicate, including Busch and Motloung. The rest of the group includes Zihle Diko, Craven Mxaku, Linda Nkeleni, John Karelse, Allistair Maans, Adam Baadjies and Rudolph Louw.
According to News24, members of the alleged syndicate included Richard Malan, Dennis Swartz, Donovan Williams, Eugene Herandien, Courtley May, Solomon Sauls, Frederick Myburgh and Preston Julies. The group allegedly operated in Gansbaai, Hermanus, Hawston, Bredasdorp, Stanford, Pearly Beach and Kuilsriver.
Williams was killed in a shooting incident in 2019, and three other accused passed away while the matter was on the court roll. Charges against the two accused were withdrawn.
In total, 10 people were convicted and sentenced on 11 August 2023.
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Picture: Unsplash