27 Mar 2013

 

Two men of Leesemane cattlepost in Ngwaketse West recently appeared before Jwaneng magistrate Odirile Mokgatle to answer for a single charge of unlawful possession of government trophy.

 

Samuel Monyasa and Karabo Letampa were allegedly on or around January 4 this year found at their residence in possession of two pieces of hides, two hooves and meat of a wildebeest.

 

During the trial, one of the state witnesses, Jwaneng mine assistant conservation officer, Tobokani David narrated how on the said date he found a dead wildebeest inside the Jwaneng mine parameter fence while on routine patrol.  

 

He told the court that he realised that both rear limbs of the animal were missing and that human footprints and dog tracks were visible at the scene.

 

Upon tracing, he said the footprints led to one yard at Leesemane cattlepost which the accused persons allegedly passed through before proceeding to their residence, where they were later found in possession of the hides, two hooves and biltong.

 

The second witness was one Onthusitse Khonkhi, whose yard the accused persons were said to have passed through on their way to their home. 

 

The 28-year-old explained that the accused arrived at his yard with two animal thighs in their possession, and after drinking water they went to their dwelling place.

 

Another state witness, a senior wildlife warden Katumetse Haggy indicated that the accused were brought to his office where upon interrogation it was established that they did not have a license to possess the items.

 

The accused persons did not cross examine him, saying they totally agreed with his story. The investigating officer, Detective Constable Wapula Warona narrated how he, together with his colleagues, joined the assistant conservation officer and Jwaneng security officers to trace the suspects.

 

Just like the assistant conservation officer had said, he too said  the accused were found with the said animal products, and that the accused led the investigating team to a mud hut where they had kept the items.

 

The two pieces of hides and hooves were provided as evidence in court, together with the affidavit of the biologist that confirms that indeed the products belonged to the dead animal.   

 

Both the first and second accused have opted to give sworn evidence and they will both call one common witness. The trial continues on April 30, 2013.