Middelburg Regional Court sentences Congolese national to 18 years for poaching and money laundering
Francis Kipampa (51) pleaded guilty to all charges.

The Middelburg Regional Court sentenced an undocumented Congolese national to 18 years’ imprisonment on Wednesday, January 15.
He was facing charges of money laundering, corruption, conspiracy, contravention of Section 57 of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act relating to dealing in rhino horns and other charges.
During the Project Blood Orange investigations in early 2023, the Hawks arrested Francis Kipampa (51) along with 15 others, who are expected to appear in the Nelspruit Commercial Crimes Court on Monday, January 20.
Kipampa has been awaiting trial from February last year, while his co-accused were released on bail.
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According to the police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Thandi Tshabalala, Kipampa pleaded guilty to all charges.
The Hawks were granted a preservation order for R5m on Wednesday. After reaching a plea agreement with the State, Kipampa pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment, eight of which are suspended for five years on the condition that he is not convicted of offences such as conspiracy to commit crime, executing a prohibited act in connection with specially protected species, money laundering or contravening the Immigration Act.