WILDLEX

This is an appeal against a sentence. The appellant was charged with two counts:
1. Failing to declare the possession of 12 rhinoceros horns, contravening section 15(15)(b) read with section 1, 81, 87(1), and 95 of the Customs and Exice Act, No. 91 of 1964.

This is an application for leave to appeal against the sentence.

Since 2016, Hui X. and Hong Z. jointly operated the Bowenge Antique Store in Jiacheng International Plaza, Bagongshan District, Huainan City. Hui X. was responsible for purchasing and processing wild animal products from the Internet and selling them, and Hong Z. was responsible for receiving the goods.

In the first half of 2015, in order to sell and transport wild animals, Xu purchased about 100 copies of forged blank transportation certificates (affixed the forged Anhui Provincial Forestry Department wild animal and plant management special seal) from Chen (another case) at a price of 30 yuan each.

The court considered an appeal on the basis that the magistrate erred in denying the accused bail and that the magistrate erred in finding that the accused may abscond and fail to attend trial due to his ability to enter and leave the Republic without going through a border.

The matter is an application for leave to appeal a judgement that was given in the a judgment of the Northern Cape High Court for contravening certain sections of the Nature and Environmental Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974 which prohibit the harbouring of certain animals without a permit.

The Director-General, Department Of Environmental Affairs (2nd Respondent) invited the public to make written submissions on proposed lion export quota in line with CITES requirements.

The appellants were convicted own their pleas of conspiring to commit an offence of illegal hunting of a rhinoceros, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition in the magistrate court. They were sentenced to 5 years imprisonment each for count 1 and 4 years imprisonment each for count 3.