Trial Against Rhino Poaching Kingpin Delayed for 17th Time

Dumisani Gwala threatening a Zululand Observer journalist for having his photo taken 

A trial against an alleged rhino poaching kingpin Dumisani Gwala and his co-accused was delayed for the 17th time on Monday when he appeared in the Ngwelezana Regional Court. Gwala, along with his co-accused Wiseman Makeba and Aubrey Dlamini, are facing ten charges relating to the illegal purchase and possession of rhino horns, and of resisting arrest. Since his arrest in 2014, Gwala was thought to have been involved in 80% of the illegal rhino horn trade in KwaZulu-Natal. Last month, a trial date was set for this month but an appointment of a new prosecutor to the case resulted in postponement until May next year. The decision led to Saving the Wild activist Jamie Joseph to suspect whether the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) was trying to hinder the case by replacing State Advocate Yuri Gangai with a local senior prosecutor. Ms. Joseph told the Zululand Observer she had proof that a bribe was paid to influence the case in Gwala's favor, and this accusation is yet to be proven. She further added that this must be seen in a context of a reported intention of State Advocate Gangai producing an application for the refusal of Magistrate Shandu. In addition, she warned that this whole case is "built around allegations that there is a Zululand syndicate of corrupt magistrates and prosecutors protecting rhino poachers and kingpins."

Jamie Joseph tries to confront Gwala, who turned his back on her at the Ngwelezana Regional Court 

It is extremely disheartening that the fight against rhino poaching in South Africa is being hindered by corruption, in which magistrates and prosecutors are protecting rhino poachers and kingpins from being found guilty for their crimes. This allows the perpetrators to continue with their illegal activities, resulting in further loss of rhinos in the country. This year alone, more than 200 rhinos have been killed in KwaZulu-Natal. This figure will keep rising if trials against people like Dumisani Gwala continue to become delayed or worse: released despite strong evidence for their crimes committed. This is why it is crucial to combat corruption and bribery associated with corruption when fighting against rhino poaching. This includes targeting magistrates, prosecutors, and other influential figures in the political and legal systems suspected of taking bribes from poachers in exchange for protection.

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