The South African Police Service (SAPS) is pleased with the six-year sentence handed down by the Germiston Regional Court, to a Chinese national today. Hsu Hsien Lung was found in possession of two rhino horns in Bedfordview on the 21st of May this year.
He was charged with possession without a permit. The horns weight at 9.8 kilograms. Today the Germiston Regional Court sentenced Mr Hsu to six years in prison.
In the past, people convicted of such cases used to receive fines, which they paid and continued with their criminal careers. A jail sentence sends a strong message to other would be offenders. South Africa's rhino population has been under unrelenting assault from crime syndicates.
If the criminals who are decimating these animals are not stopped, the country could lose this part of its heritage forever. The SAPS applauds this sentence.
Media Contact:
Colonel McIntosh Polela
Cell: 082 475 1427
Tell: 012 400 6584 / 6579
Fax: 012 400 7018
E-mail: dpci.communication@saps.org.za
