South African gets 24 months' jail for largest rhino horn seizure in Singapore's history, with total worth of S$1.2m
The 33-year-old had planned to transport the horns - which include those from endangered black rhino - from South Africa to Laos via Singapore
SINGAPORE — A 33-year-old South African man was sentenced to 24 months' jail in Singapore on Friday (26 January), after he pleaded guilty to two charges under the Endangered Species Act. Sthembiso Joel Gumede was nabbed during transit in Singapore with 20 rhinoceros horns worth about S$1.2 million, marking the largest seizure of its kind in Singapore to date.
Today Online reported that the horns included those from the critically endangered black rhinoceros. The National Parks Board (NParks) said in a media release on Friday that this is the heaviest sentence meted out in Singapore to date for a case involving the smuggling of wildlife parts.
The court heard on Wednesday that Gumede became involved in the illegal rhinoceros horn trade after being introduced to Jaycee Israel Marvatona, a person associated with the illicit trade. The duo discussed plans to find individuals willing to transport horns on trips organised by Marvatona, and explored potential methods to conceal the horns in cargo.
Smuggling operation exposed as rhinoceros horns discovered at Changi Airport
In September 2022, Marvatona asked Gumede to transport rhinoceros horns from South Africa to Laos, passing through Singapore. He promised to make the trip "worthwhile" by providing return tickets and an unspecified amount of cash.
On 4 October 2022, Norizan Salleh, a baggage screening officer with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, discovered two cardboard boxes wrapped in plastic cling wrap while screening X-ray images of transit luggage. Noticing that the boxes seemed to contain organic items shaped like horns, she informed her supervisor, leading to further inspection of the boxes.
Wesley Lim, a senior investigation officer with the NParks, was assigned to handle the situation. Investigations revealed that Gumede, the individual associated with the boxes, had checked them in at the main airport in Johannesburg for a Singapore Airlines flight to Changi Airport. His intention was to board a connecting flight from Singapore to Vientiane.
Upon the detention of the boxes, Gumede was directed to report to the Changi Airport Police Command, where he was taken to an inspection room. Both boxes were opened in Gumede's presence, revealing a total of 20 rhinoceros horns weighing approximately 34.7kg.
DNA analysis confirms horns originated from endangered species
As of 4 October 2022, the estimated wholesale value of these rhinoceros horns is about S$1,200,140. DNA analysis conducted by NParks' experts confirmed that all 20 horns were genuine and originated from two endangered species: the white rhinoceros and the critically endangered black rhinoceros.
Today Online reported that samples of the horns were sent to the faculty of veterinary science at the University of Pretoria in South Africa for further DNA analysis. The analysis determined that 18 pieces came from 15 different southern white rhinoceroses, and two pieces came from one black rhinoceros.
Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Lee Da Zhuan noted that Gumede did not possess a valid convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (CITES) export or re-export permit.
Investigations revealed that Marvatona had bought the rhinoceros horns from illegal poachers in South Africa with the intention of selling them to an individual known as "Jimmy" in Laos.
Stiff and deterrent sentence urged to combat rhino horn trafficking
DPP Lee argued for a 37-month jail term, emphasising the pressing need for a stiff and deterrent sentence. He highlighted that the illegal trade in rhinoceros horns not only threatens the existence of these animals, but also fosters a thriving black-market economy.
He also pointed out the vulnerability of Singapore to be exploited as a conduit for smuggling endangered species, given the annual handling of over 30 million passengers at its airports.
DPP Lee stressed that this case marked the largest seizure of rhinoceros horns in Singapore to date. He stressed the necessity to deter illegal wildlife trade and send a clear message that Singapore is dedicated to safeguarding and preserving the delicate balance of ecosystems.
Each charge against Gumede, related to the export or re-export of scheduled species without a valid CITES permit, carries a potential penalty of up to two years in jail or a fine of S$50,000 for each species, or both.
Do you have a story tip? Email: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube.
