The National Prosecuting Authority in the Modimolle Magistrate Court yesterday secured a conviction of Phillip Mpholo Mpete and Mervin Mphanga. The accused were facing charges of illegal possession of bolt action rifle and ammunition with the intention to commit a crime, and a count of rhino poaching (no rhino was killed).
The state was represented by the Prosecutor, Liezl del Frate. It was reported that Mpete and Mphanga entered the Matswani farm in the Belgeriver area, in search for rhino when they were arrested. The court found that all preparation to hunt a rhino had already been completed when the accused climbed through the fence to search for rhino.
Mpete, who is a Municipal traffic officer in Modimolle, was out on bail pending the outcome of the trial. The bail is now withdrawn and they are both remain in custody.The case will be back in court on the 8th November 2013 for sentencing.
