The South African Police Service (SAPS) is thrilled with the long sentences handed down to two Vietnamese nationals by the Kempton Park Magistrate Court yesterday.
The two men convicted of smuggling rhino horns. Duc Manh Chu was sentenced to 12 years and Phi Hung Nguyeng received eight years. The two men were arrested when a total of fifteen rhino horns were found in their luggage at OR Tambo Airport in June 2010.
The Hawks of the SAPS had received a tip off before the men tried to board a plane out of South Africa.
The SAPS hopes the long sentences, which do not carry the option of a fine, will send a strong message to those who are engaged in activities that are threatening to decimate South Africa's rhino population.
Enquiries:
Colonel McIntosh Polela
Tel: 012 400 6579 / 6629 / 6576
Fax: 012 400 7018
Cell: 082 475 1427
E-mail: mediacentre@saps.org.za
Source: South African Police Service
SAPS applauds long prison sentences against rhino horn smugglers
