The Namakwa district management welcomes the 8 year prison sentence that was recently handed down to 2 poachers in the Springbok magistrates' court. Benedict Beukes and Quinton Steenkamp were arrested by police on the the 1st December 2020 on the N7 near Springbok in possession of Conophytum Pellucidum and Conophytum Pagea plants worth about R100 000-00. Police spokesperson Lieutenant colonel Sergio Kock says the accused pleaded guilty on a charge of dealing in protected plants on the 22nd February 2022 and were sentenced on the 1st December 2023 to 8 years imprisonment of which 2 years is suspended for 2 years. 

Journalist: Tsosangkgotla Mararang
Email: tsosan@radioriverside.co.za