A 51-year-old Chinese national has been convicted of illegally possessing crayfish

[News]

Chinese National Shi Zhuming (51), has been convicted as charged for illegal possession of Crayfish, which is a protected species in terms of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity (NEMBA) Act.

Zhuming was arrested on Thursday, 04 January 2024, after a complaint was received about her carrying 158 live Crayfish in her luggage.

She had just arrived at OR-Tambo International (ORTIA) from Harare. The protected species was seized and handed over to the environmental authorities for processing.

Zhuming who reportedly stay near East Gate was immediately detained and consequently appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court where she was granted R30 000 bail.

The court has on Monday, 06 May 2024 sentenced Zhuming to a fine of R50 000, as well as a five 5 years suspended sentence provided she is not found guilty of a similar offence under the NEMBA Act.