Minister George welcomes 15-Year sentences in R30-Million endangered plant poaching case

14 July 2025

• Four foreign nationals sentenced to 15 years imprisonment each for poaching 303 specimens of the critically endangered Clivia mirabilis in the Namakwa region. 

• The plants have an estimated street value of R6-million to R30-million.

• Minister Dr Dion George says the conviction sends a strong message against environmental crime and supports ongoing efforts to protect South Africa’s biodiversity.

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of four foreign nationals involved in a major plant poaching case valued at up to R30 million. The Calvinia Regional Court handed down 15-year direct imprisonment sentences to the accused for illegally harvesting 303 specimens of the critically endangered Clivia mirabilis—a rare species endemic to parts of the Northern and Western Cape and highly sought after in the illicit global plant trade.

The four individuals – Mark Daddy (43), Raphael Mhashu (25), Simbarashe Charanelura (33), and Elton Ngwanati (34) – were arrested on 20 April 2024 after being found in possession of the endangered specimins. The plants, commonly known as the miracle bush lily or Oorlogskloof bush lily, are estimated to carry a black-market value of between R6-million and R30-million.

They were convicted on charges relating to the illegal harvesting of protected plant species and breaches of South Africa’s immigration legislation. Sentencing took place on 3 July 2025.

The conviction reflects a broader trend of organised criminal syndicates expanding their focus beyond succulents to exploit a wider range of South Africa’s rare flora, driven by high international demand, particularly in Asian markets. These crimes threaten biodiversity, disrupt ecosystems, and push already vulnerable species closer to extinction.

“This conviction is a critical milestone in our fight against environmental crime,” said Minister George. “It sends a clear message: those who profit from exploiting our natural heritage will face serious consequences.

The Department will continue to strengthen enforcement, build international partnerships, and work closely with police and prosecutors to stop the illegal trade in wildlife and plants.”

Minister George commended the South African Police Service (SAPS), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and all involved officials – including investigating officer Constable Danver Matthys and prosecutor Mr Darryl Bromkamp – for their dedication in securing this outcome.

The Minister confirmed that the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is actively investigating related cases of plant poaching. He called on the public to report suspicious activity and support efforts to protect South Africa’s natural heritage for future generations.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Thobile Zulu-Molobi
+27 82 513 7154
tmolobi@dffe.gov.za

Chelsey Wilken
074 470 5996
cwilken@dffe.gov.za