http://news.iafrica.com/sa/722534.html

Rhino 'poacher' wants bail

Article By: Alex Eliseev
Mon, 18 Apr 2011 9:19

The alleged leader of one of South Africa's biggest rhino poaching syndicates is due back in court on Monday morning to ask for the return of some, or all, of his R1-million bail payment.

Dawie Groenewald and 10 other suspects, including two well-known veterinarians, were arrested by the Hawks last year along with 10 other suspects. Last week, the case was postponed to late September but the trial may only take place next year.

Eyewitness News understands Groenewald will ask the Musina Magistrate's Court to return his money in exchange for another form of surety, such as a bank guarantee. He believes he can earn interest off the R1-million instead of it being held by the state.

His defence team will argue he has shown that he is not a flight risk and should not stand to lose money.

The state postponed the case to September due to the complexity of the investigation, something that could work in Groenewald's favour.

His application to get his bail back, as well as the state's reply, could offer an interesting glimpse into the case being built against the alleged syndicate.