Charges against Ray Nkonyeni Municipality traffic officer Johnathan Pillay, who was accused of shooting dead a protected crowned crane, have been withdrawn.
He appeared in the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court this week.
ALSO READ : Murder case provisionally withdrawn
The case was withdrawn due to the death of an important witness who had handled the evidence during the investigation.
Mr Pillay allegedly killed a protected crowned crane while trespassing on a farmer’s land in Paddock in September 2016.
He was charged with trespassing and also faced a charge under the National Environment Management of Biodiversity Act of 10 of 2004, brought by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
However, in the Ezingolweni Magistrate’s Court he produced a receipt indicating that he had paid a R100 admission of guilt fine. This led to the charges being withdrawn.
The state summoned him back to court this year, but the charges were withdrawn again.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on WhatsApp 082 421 6033
