NPA SUCCESSFULLY OPPOSES BAIL IN PROTECTED PLANT THEFT CASE

10 October 2025

NPA SUCCESSFULLY OPPOSES BAIL IN PROTECTED PLANT THEFT CASE

Kariega, Eastern Cape – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has successfully opposed the bail application of Zimbabwean national, Ngqabutho Ngulube (34), who faces charges related to the illegal removal of protected plant species, specifically cycads of the Encephalartos genus. Ngulube is currently in the country unlawfully, as his visa has expired.

The charges stem from an incident in October 2024, involving the alleged theft of endangered cycad plants from private farmland near Kariega. Following an intensive investigation, police intercepted a vehicle linked to the crime in November 2024, leading to the arrest of Ngulube and several co-accused.

Ngulube had previously appeared in 2024 alongside co-accused Khaya Moyo (43), Godfrey Makhohdo (45), Oalabahle Ndlovu (24), and Mnqobi Sibanda (35) on similar charges. While those four accused abandoned their bail applications at the time, Ngulube’s application was granted. He has since been re-arrested in court in connection with the current charges.

A sixth accused, Peter Bongani Ngulube (49), a South African citizen with no known relation to Ngqabutho, has since been added to the matter. He abandoned his bail application, and the case has been postponed to 30 October 2025, when both he and Ngqabutho Ngulube are expected to return to court.

The State opposed bail on several grounds, including the seriousness of the offences, the accused’s unlawful immigration status, the lack of verifiable local ties, and the high risk of flight. The court agreed with the State’s submissions, and bail was denied.

All accused provisionally face charges of theft, contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), and possible immigration-related offences. The illegal harvesting and trade of protected species such as cycads remains a serious environmental crime in South Africa, threatening biodiversity and undermining conservation efforts. The NPA continues to prioritise these prosecutions as part of its mandate to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the country’s natural heritage.

The matter will return to the Kariega Magistrates’ Court on 30 October 2025 for the two Ngulube accused, while the remaining four co-accused are scheduled to appear on 19 November 2025 for trial proceedings.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

NPA Regional Spokesperson – Eastern Cape Division

Tel: 047 501 2630 | Cell: 073 555 9292

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za

Enquiries: nmakupula@npa.gov.za | 068 268 2473