Rhino gang 'made millions'

THE packed Pretoria Magistrate's Court heard how a group linked to rhino poaching allegedly made millions of rands by killing the wild animals.

This was revealed during the bail application of Trudie Ras, 38, David Steyn, 55, Abraham Smit, 36 and Willem Jaarsveld, 41.

Prosecutor Joanie Spies told the court the syndicate had allegedly made R5.5-million from killing 22 rhinos and R16-million through rhino horn sales. She also told how the alleged poachers operated in various provinces.

The four, together with alleged ringleader Hugo Ras, his brother Anton, lawyer Joseph Wilkinson, Warrant Officer Willie Oosthuizen, Mandla Magagula and Matthys Scheepers, are facing 318 charges involving rhino poaching , racketeering, money laundering, theft and house breaking.

On Monday, the bail application by the 10 was separated by magistrate Desmond Nair after lawyers representing Hugo and Anton Ras, Oosthuizen, Magagula, Wilkinson and Scheepers indicated they were not prepared to continue with the bail application. They are expected to apply for bail on October 8.

The suspects allegedly targeted state and privately owned game reserves in Limpopo, Gauteng, Free State and North West.

The bail application continues today. - Ntwaagae Seleka