Rhino poaching accused remain behind bars
Among others, the duo faces charges including the contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, possession of a firearm with a serial number obliterated, and theft.
Two men accused of rhino poaching at the Ubhetyan O-Africa Reserve outside Middelburg returned to the eMalahleni Magistrate’s Court on August 3 for a formal bail application. The matter was once again postponed to August 13.
The case has drawn public attention, with community members and conservationists – including Piet Wassenaar – gathered at court to follow proceedings.
Sthembiso Nelson Ubisi and Majaleo Loyd Matsane were arrested on July 22 after members of the Middelburg Flying Squad stopped a silver Toyota Etios on the N12 near Ogies. Inside the vehicle, police discovered two rhino horns concealed under a jacket, rifles, and rounds of ammunition.
Reserve owner Deon Cornelius later confirmed that the horns belonged to Behati, a rhino killed that day. CCTV footage reportedly showed the same vehicle entering the reserve shortly before the incident.
Behati’s month-old calf, Owhati, survived the ordeal and was confirmed to be recovering at a rehabilitation centre. Her name is a combination of her parents’ names, Owedru and Behati.
“Owhati will remain at the rehabilitation centre for the next 18 months. She is currently doing so well,” said Cornelius.
He explained that the incident has left other rhinos unsettled, prompting the reserve to relocate them to an undisclosed safe location.
Meanwhile, the community has rallied around Owhati’s care. Supporters are raising funds for her rehabilitation, with donations being co-ordinated directly through the reserve.
Ubisi and Matsane made their first appearance in the Ogies Magistrate’s Court on July 24, where the case was postponed and transferred to eMalahleni.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Monica Nyuswa, the accused are facing charges of contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, possession of a firearm with a serial number obliterated, theft, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an offence, and possession of ammunition.
“I am glad the bail application was opposed, and I so wish that they will oppose even the upcoming one. There’s a lot to be investigated in this matter. Judging from how they removed those horns from the rhino, one can tell that they are professional poachers; they were definitely not doing it for the first time,” Cornelius said.
In addition, Piet and Chantelle Wassenaar have organised a petition urging the court to deny bail. The petition highlights the symbolic importance of Behati, describing her as more than just a rhino. “She was a living symbol of South Africa’s natural heritage,” reads the petition. It further calls on the public to honour Behati’s memory, stand behind her orphaned calf and send a strong message against wildlife crime.
Pettition link: https://c.org/vyDGy54Jp6
Two nabbed with rhino horns along N12 near Ogies
— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) July 24, 2026
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