Latest news with #R836
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- TimesLIVE
AFU obtains confiscation order against ex-rangers who killed two rhinos
The Skukuza regional court has granted a confiscation order in favour of the National Prosecuting Authority's Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) in Mpumalanga against two convicted former field rangers who killed two rhinos in December 2018. 'The order, made on Thursday, compels Lucky Mkanzi and Nzima Joel Sihlangu to pay R836,600, plus 11% interest accruing from the date of the poaching of two rhinos,' NPA spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said. The court further directed that R41,820 being held in the SAPS Absa suspense bank account be paid to SANParks to support anti-rhino poaching efforts. Mkanzi and Sihlangu were each sentenced to 20 years' direct imprisonment last year for offences committed between December 25 and 30 2018 in the Skukuza section of the Kruger National Park. At the time of the offences, both were on day shift and had no authorisation to work during the night. During their trial, the prosecution presented evidence showing that the vehicle used in the poaching incident was stationary at the location where the rhinos were killed. Their supervisor testified that neither of the accused had permission to be on night duty. A tracking expert confirmed the movements of the vehicle, placing them at the crime scene, and a police officer testified about a raid on Sihlangu's residence where cash from the sale of rhino horns was found. Both accused were convicted of conspiracy to commit an offence and the illegal killing of two rhinos. 'The AFU plays a vital role in ensuring that criminals do not benefit from their unlawful actions. Through the AFU, the NPA continues to reinforce accountability, uphold the rule of law, and demonstrate that crime has serious financial and legal consequences,' Nyuswa said.
TimesLIVE
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Russell says F1 drivers want less talk, more action from FIA boss
George Russell said Formula One drivers wanted more than words from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in a lukewarm response to a mooted change in the rules concerning punishment for misconduct, including swearing. Ben Sulayem, the Emirati head of the governing body, said on Instagram this week he was considering "improvements" to appendix B of the FIA's International Sporting Code after feedback from drivers across several series. Rally drivers had been up in arms over stiff fines imposed for swearing, as had their F1 contemporaries. Asked at the Miami Grand Prix on Thursday if he saw Ben Sulayem's words as a positive step, Mercedes driver Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), replied: "Conceptually, yes. "But obviously we want to see these things put into action rather than saying 'we're considering things'. We all consider a lot of things. "We're clear we want changes. Once they are implemented, then we'll comment on it. But for the time being it's being considered. The words don't mean anything until the change has been made." Appendix B covers stewards' penalty guidelines, setting out punishments for misconduct including words, deeds or writings that might have caused moral injury to the FIA or motorsport in general. A first offence in Formula One incurs a €40,000 (R836,937) fine, rising to €80,000 (R1,673,874) for the second and €120,000 (R2,510,395) with a one-month suspension and deduction of championship points for a third breach. Ben Sulayem's term in office runs out this year and he is expected to seek renewal. No rival candidate has emerged to date. "It'll be great if changes were made and the drivers were at least heard," said Russell. "I think it's in the best interest for the sport and ensuring some common sense is sort of applied to these situations," he added. " I think all of us can comment on it when we see the action being taken, rather than the consideration." Russell said the GPDA was set up to talk about safety rather than politics. but he was talking more and more about other subjects. "We find ourselves in a time where we're not focused on why we're all here," he said "We're here to go racing, we're here to create the best show for the fans, to have the fastest cars, the safest cars, the best technology, the best engineering, and yet we talk about fines and punishments and swearing."
