Moropo Mpe (43), Tatenda Mawere (24), and Tichaona Mashava (33) made a brief court appearance before Olifantshoek Districts Court on Thursday, 22 February 2024. The trio is accused of illegal possession and transportation of protected plants.
Kathu based members of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation reacted to a call for assistance from Oliphantshoek SAPS (South African Police Service) members on Tuesday, 20 February 2024.
Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation members arrived on the scene of a vehicle checkpoint conducted by SAPS members, a white minibus taxi was stopped after attempting to drive through without being searched. During the search, a bag full of unknown plants were found inside the vehicle. Enquiries were made to who does the plants belong to, and whether they had the necessary permits to carry and transport the plants? Police seized the plants and a vehicle valued at R900 000 for further investigation, this is after the trio could not give a satisfactory explanation.
The matter was postponed to Thursday, 29 February 2024 for confirmation of accused’s address and travelling documents (passports).
