Mtubatuba court finds rhino poaching ‘kingpin’ accused not guilty

After more than 30 postponements over nine years, the rhino poaching trial of Dumisani Gwala and Wiseman Mageba were earlier today (Friday) found not guilty.

The verdict was handed down on Friday at Mtubatuba Regional Court.

ALSO READ: ‘Mistaken identity’ led to rhino poaching ‘kingpin’ arrest

Gwala was, however, found guilty of resisting arrest, and fined R20 000 and given six months imprisonment suspended for five years on condition he is not found guilty of committing a similar offence.

Magistrate Anand Maharaj found the pair not guilty of the combined charges they faced after ruling that the evidence presented before the court was inadmissible.

ALSO READ: Rhino poaching ‘kingpin’: Trial adjourned, accused’s bail condition waived

Making closing comments, Maharaj said, had the police, who set up a sting operation in 2014 targeting Gwala who was identified as a rhino poaching ‘kingpin’ and the buying and selling of the animal’s horns, been more ‘proactive’ and ‘cautious’ when gathering evidence, his inadmissibility ruling may have been different.

Addressing Mageba and Gwala, Maharaj said they were not acquitted because of their innocence but that he was ‘obliged by the law’ to rule that the evidence was inadmissible.

“If you were indeed involved in what you were accused of, now is your chance to stay away from it.

You’ve been given a second chance and I suggest you take it,” warned Maharaj.

Read the full story in the ZO Monday edition.

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