Sixteen people, including two field rangers, appeared in the Nelspruit Commercial Crimes Court on charges of corruption, money laundering and others on May 31.

According to a spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crimes and Investigation (DPCI), Katlego Mogale, the accused are facing charges of money laundering, corruption, conspiracy, and contraventions of Section 57 of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act relating to dealing in rhino horns and other charges.

The accused are Francis Kipampa, Martin Lekhuleni, Eunice Lekhuleni, Sipho Nyundu, field ranger Solly Ubisi, Agina Mkhonto, Thandy Makhuvele, Ignatia Mnisi, Given Mzima, field ranger Daniel Maluleke, Joyce Maluleke, Nkateko Maluleke, Otters Maluleke, Miyelani Maluleke, Khensani Maluleke and Stephilina Mbhombi.

“This appearance follows a meticulous probe by the Serious Corruption Investigation Unit of the Mpumalanga DPCI into allegations of money laundering and corruption linked to wildlife-related crimes,” said Mogale.

She said some of the accused are related to the rangers and were arrested following a probe by a multidisciplinary team in a project dubbed Blood Orange. The team included KPMG, SARS and Financial Intelligence Centre.

The matter was postponed to October 25 for the auditors’ final report and a pretrial conference.