http://www.eyewitnessnews.co.za/articleprog.aspx?id=63589

One of SA’s biggest rhino poaching cases back in court

Alex Eliseev | 3 Hours Ago

Eyewitness News understands police officers investigating one of the country’s biggest rhino poaching cases will ask for more time when the case returns to court on Monday morning.

Dawie Groenewald and his 10 co-accused are due back at the Musina Magistrate’s Court after being arrested last year and charged for mass poaching.

The appearance comes as authorities continue to battle to stop the scourge, which has seen over 80 rhino killed so far this year.

Monday’s legal battle will come down to whether the state’s request for a lengthy postponement is justified and whether the accused will suffer any prejudice because of it.

The prosecutor is expected to tell the court the more the police officers probe the alleged syndicate, the more allegations emerge. But at least one of the defence teams has already indicated it will oppose the application but it remains to be seen on what grounds.

Among those in the dock are Groenewald’s wife, two vets and several professional hunters.

The Endangered Wildlife Trust said this is a crucial case as winning the war against poachers requires smashing powerful syndicates.