Vets in court over drugs often used for rhino poaching

29 February 2012 - 11:01 By Sapa
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African rhino horn. File picture.
African rhino horn. File picture.
Image: Reuben Goldberg

Three veterinarians and five other men appeared in the Pretoria North Magistrate's Court on Tuesday in connection with the wrongful possession and distribution of scheduled veterinary drugs commonly used in rhino poaching.

One of the vets, Douw Grobler, formerly headed the Kruger National Park's wildlife capturing and veterinary services unit.

He was fired after a disciplinary hearing 10 years ago in connection with the mismanagement of a buffalo conservation project in Phalaborwa, Beeld reported.

Grobler appeared with state vet Dr Buti John Chibase, and private vet Johannes Gerhardus Kruger, as well as professional hunter Hugo Ras, and Matthys Christoffel Scheepers, Riaal Booysen, Johan Carl Heydenrych and Christoffel Francois Naude.

They were all arrested between August and November.

They face charges of contravening the Medicines and Related Substances Control Act.

They were released on bail of between R1000 and R5000, and the case was postponed until April.

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