Ockert du Toit (45), and Stefan de Villiers (52), were found guilty and convicted by Hartswater Magistrate’s Court for being in possession and dealing in vulnerable protected species.
The duo was arrested by the Hawk’s Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit during August 2015, after information surfaced regarding three cheetah cubs that were on sale in Hartswater area.
A disruptive operation was then conducted and two cheetah cubs were found on a plot in Hartswater. On questioning the accused informed the team that another cheetah was kept at a Diepfontein farm in Vorstershoop.
Information was followed up and the cub was found in an outside building on the farm. Two rifles, a .22 and a 303 were also recovered.
Du Toit was sentenced to a fine of R5 000-00 or twelve (12) months imprisonment whilst De Villiers was sentenced to a fine of R10 000-00 or two (2) years imprisonment.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
