Groenewald case ends after nearly 2 decades

The state's case against local businessman accused of rhino horn trafficking, Dawie Groenewald finally came to conclusion last week after nearly two decades.

- Barry Viljoen

The fact that, if the fines imposed are paid, Groenewald will not serve any effective imprisonment, caused an outcry from nature conservationists.

"It is common cause that Groenewald made millions from his enterprise, much more than the amount to be paid, and the sentence sends the message that crime pays," an outraged nature lover said and added that recent cases of the same nature were subjected to direct imprisonment without the option of a fine and were not in the least comparable with the 1 600 charges against Groenewald.

Groenewald was sentenced in the Limpopo High Court to a fine of R2m or four years' imprisonment, on the main count of managing a crime enterprise (Contravention of Section 2(1)(f) of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998 regarding allegations of trafficking rhino horns, racketeering and money laundering and a further 10 years imprisonment suspended for five years, with strict conditions.