State Prosecutors and King Mswati III share the spotlight
Poachers beware! Two State Prosecutors and King Mswati III of Swaziland has something in common: They have been awarded first and second price in the Rhino Conservation Awards for Best Political and Judicial category.
MBOMBELA – Two forces to be reckoned with in Lowveld courts involving rhino-poaching cases have been honoured with Rhino Conservation Awards.
Senior state advocate, Isabet Erwee and Adv Ansie Venter have one thing in common: They are fierce and fearless when dealing with poachers. Erwee holds the record for the highest sentence ever handed down in a rhino-poaching matter. Venter has been appointed as one of the specialised prosecutors in organised crime in Mpumalanga, responsible for prosecuting poaching cases. They were awarded second place in the best political and judicial support category.
The first place in this category was awarded to His Majesty, King Mswati III from Swaziland who has played a pivotal role in the protection of wildlife and, especially, the rhino.
Swaziland’s anti-poaching success rate is incredible in the current climate with only three rhinos lost since 1992 and none in the past 12 months.
The strong support and backing of the Game Amendment Act and Swaziland’s rangers by His Majesty are what strengthen anti-poaching and rhino conservation in this country.
The third place in this category was awarded to Mr Mario Scholtz, for this effort in the investigation of rhino-poaching related aspects in SANParks.
The Black Mamba anti-poaching unit won the best conservation practitioner category. This unit, which consists of 26 women, conducts operations and focuses on educating the communities surrounding the Balule Nature Reserve in the benefits of conservation and rhino protection.
First runner-up in this category was Mr Don English, who is in charge of general conservation and rhino protection in the Kruger National Park’s (KNP) Marula region, the area with the highest density of rhinos. Mr Bruce Leslie, regional ranger of special operations, was the second runner-up for revolutionising tactical rhino anti-poaching operations in the KNP.
The 2015 Rhino Conservation Awards was held on July 27 at the Montecasino Ballroom.
His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II of Monaco, patron of the awards, delivered the keynote address at the event, con-gratulated the winners on their exemplary efforts.
