Four men were sentenced to 15 years in prison, following the poaching of plants worth up to R30 million.
The four appeared before the Calvinia Regional Court, this week, for illegally harvesting 303 specimens of Clivia mirabilis.
Clivia mirabilis (also dubbed the miracle plant) survives in harsh, dry conditions. These plants are very slow to grow and take years before they flower.
Mark Daddy (43), Raphael Mhashu (25), Simbarashe Charanelura (33), and Elton Ngwanati (34), were caught red handed, on 20 April 2024, with the critically endangered plants.
Dr Dion George, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, said on Tuesday, “this conviction is a critical milestone in our fight against environmental crime. It sends a clear message to those who profit from exploiting our natural heritage.”
The Minister also commended the South African Police Service (SAPS), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and all involved officials in the case, in particular investigating officer Constable Danver Matthys and Prosecutor Darryl Bromkamp, for their dedication and professionalism in securing the conviction.
At the time of their arrest back in August 2024, David Garriock, chairman of the Clivia Society, said the chances of poached plants surviving outside of their natural habitat, are incredibly slim, as they are uniquely adapted to their environment.
Picture: Cape Nature and WWF SA.