The newest update on the Cavina case
They were arrested in a joint operation by the MTPA and SAPS on March 30.
Mr Rudy Cavina appeared in the Graskop Magistrate’s Court on various charges last Monday.
Cavina, Mr Johannes Mostert and Mr Vinay Mostert were arrested in a joint operation by the MTPA and SAPS on March 30.
They allegedly had an illegal dart gun, schedule 3, 4, 5, and 6 wildlife medicines, and two sedated fallow deer in their possession.
The case was postponed to June 26 because of an incomplete forensic investigation.
SAPS procedural errors may influence case of troublemaker
Alleged procedural errors and inconsistencies in SAPS protocol during the recent search of Mr Rudy Cavina’s house may be critical in the outcome of the case.
Three sources close to the investigation have raised serious concerns about procedure to the newspaper. A report about it has been submitted to SAPS’ anti-corruption unit.
Cavina, Mr Johannes Mostert and Mr Vinay Mostert were arrested in a joint operation by the MTPA and SAPS on March 30. They allegedly had an illegal dart gun, schedule 3, 4, 5, and 6 wildlife medicines, and two sedated fallow deer in their possession.
According to an eyewitness, two firearms cannot be accounted for. The whereabouts of the firearm that was confiscated during the arrest is apparently unknown.
A source who was present in court during the proceedings confirmed to Lowvelder that Cavina did not have a valid firearm licence for the weapon.
Another impeccable source said on March 31 the SAPS and MTPA arrived at the entrance of Cavina’s farm in the Kiepersol area, armed with a search warrant. Cavina accompanied them.
Eyewitnesses said the two teams did not enter the premises immediately.
While they were outside, a silver Pajero with the registration number DF 312Y GP charged past them to the farmhouse. The driver entered the house and left almost immediately again.
The police went inside shortly afterwards and asked Cavina to open the four safes on the premises. “He did not have the key for the safe in the garage and said it belonged to his late father,” said the source.
Cavina’s weapons were taken from the other safes and checked against the licences. A weapon could not be accounted for for one of the licences.
According to two sources, Cavina claimed the weapon was in possession of his ex-wife. The police returned the licence without holding him responsible for the gun’s whereabouts.
Sources close to the investigation have questioned why the case has not been handed over to the stock-theft unit in Acornhoek.
Two sources confirmed to Lowvelder that returning the bakkie, which was used in the theft of the animals and therefore considered evidence, contravened protocol.
No comment had been received from SAPS at the time of going to press.
