SINGAPORE — A 33-year-old South African man pleaded guilty to two charges under the Endangered Species Act in a Singapore court on Wednesday, January 24. St Viso Joel Gumede was arrested while traveling in Singapore with 20 rhino horns worth approximately S$1.2 million, making it the largest seizure of its kind in Singapore to date.
Today Online reported that the horns also included those of an endangered black rhinoceros.
The court heard that Gumede became involved in the illegal rhino horn trade after he was introduced to Jaycee Israel Malvatna, a person involved in the illegal rhino horn trade. The two discussed a plan to find individuals willing to transport the horns on a trip organized by Malbatna, and explored possible ways to hide the horns within the cargo.
Rhino horn reveals smuggling activity at Changi Airport
In September 2022, Malbatna asked Gumede to transport rhino horn from South Africa to Laos via Singapore. He promised to make the trip “worthwhile” by providing round-trip tickets and an unspecified amount of cash.
On October 4, 2022, Norizan Saleh, a baggage inspector at the Immigration Bureau, discovered two cardboard boxes wrapped in plastic wrap while inspecting an X-ray image of connecting baggage. She notices what appears to be an organic substance shaped like a horn inside the box and reports it to her supervisor, who causes the box to be further inspected.
Wesley Lim, a senior inspector at the National Parks Board (NParks), was assigned to deal with the situation. Investigation revealed that Gumede, who was associated with the box, was checking in his luggage at Johannesburg’s main airport for a Singapore Airlines flight to Changi. His purpose was to catch a connecting flight from Singapore to Vientiane.
Once the box was taken into custody, Gumede was instructed to report to Changi Airport Police Command and taken to an examination room. Both boxes were opened in Gumede’s presence, revealing a total of 20 rhino horns weighing about 34.7 kg.
DNA analysis confirms horns come from endangered species
As of October 4, 2022, the estimated wholesale price of these rhino horns is approximately S$1,200,140. DNA analysis conducted by NParks experts confirmed that all 20 horns are real and come from two endangered species: the white rhino and the endangered black rhino.
Today Online reported that a sample of the horn was sent to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pretoria in South Africa for further DNA analysis. Analysis revealed that 18 of the fragments were from 15 different southern white rhinos, and two fragments were from a single black rhino.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Li Da Duan (DP) pointed out that Gumede does not hold a valid Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) export or reexport permits.
Investigation revealed that Malbatona had purchased rhino horn from illegal poachers in South Africa with the intention of selling it to an individual known as “Jimmy” in Laos.
Tough and deterrent sentences needed to combat rhino horn trafficking
Mr Lee of the Democratic Progressive Party argued for a 37-month prison term, stressing the urgent need for a harsh and deterrent sentence. He emphasized that the illegal trade in rhino horn not only threatens the existence of these animals, but also facilitates the flourishing of a black market economy.
He also pointed to Singapore’s vulnerability to being exploited as a conduit for the smuggling of endangered species, given that Singapore’s airport handles more than 30 million passengers a year.
Mr Lee of the Democratic Progressive Party stressed that the incident was the largest seizure of rhino horn to date in Singapore. He stressed the need to stop illegal wildlife trade and send a clear message that Singapore is committed to protecting and maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystem.
Each offense against Gumede relating to the scheduled export or re-export of a species without a valid CITES permit carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment or a fine of S$50,000 per species, or both. there is a possibility. He is scheduled to reappear in court for sentencing on Friday.
Do you have any story tips? Email: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com.
You can also follow Facebook, Instagram, tick tock and twitter.Also check out Southeast Asia, foodand game YouTube channel.