Suspect sentenced to six years imprisonment
NORTHERN CAPE – John Henry Routenbach (25) was found guilty and convicted by the Kuruman magistrate’s court for being in possession of a firearm and dealing in endangered species.
According to a statement by the South African Police Service, the accused was arrested by the Hawks’ serious organised crime investigation in August 2019 after information was received regarding an illegal firearm that was kept at his house.
A search and seizure disruptive operation was then conducted at the said address. During the search, a 9mm handgun with live ammunition as well as pangolin skin with an estimated street value of R250 000 was also recovered and seized.
Routenbach was sentenced to six years imprisonment for illegal possession of firearm and ammunition and five years imprisonment for dealing in endangered species. Both sentences were suspended for five years.
