This is after the case against members of the controversial Gupta family and associates, as well as three government officials, was formally withdrawn from the Bloemfontein Magistrate court roll on Tuesday. The accused faced a string of charges including fraud, money laundering and corruption related to the Vrede based project which was meant to benefit upcoming farmers. OFM News spoke to Advocate Michael Hellens, who represented many of the accused, who says the case was flimsy from the get-go. Following the brief court appearance, Hellens told OFM News his clients feel vindicated yet hurt, but says they are not worried about future prosecutions. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on the other hand says the investigators will continue to engage with law enforcement in the United Arab Emirates and India to obtain all the outstanding information, that may present the NPA with an opportunity to reinstate the charges.

AND

The international animal welfare organisation, Four Paws, has welcomed Environmental Affairs Minister, Novula Mokonyane's decision to amend the 2018 lion bone export quota. The quota of 1 500 skeletons announced in June this year has been reduced to 800 skeletons. The new quota is the same as the allocation for 2017. In a media statement, Four Paws Country Director, Fiona Milers, also applauded Mokonyane's announcement of a high-level panel which will be appointed to review policies, legislation and practices on various matters. This includes the management, breeding, hunting, trade and handling of lions, elephants, leopards and rhinos. The panel will conduct public hearings, draft submissions, consider scientific evidence and other forms of information. Milers says Four Paws is hopeful the process will be transparent and public engagement will be taken into account.

OFM News