Man nabbed inNC for dealing in protected plants

A 40-YEAR-old man has been arrested in the Northern Cape for dealing in protected plants.

Kazuhiro Mizobuchi, 40, made a brief appearance in the Kathu Magistrate’s Court this week for allegedly dealing in special protected plants.

A joint intelligence-driven operation between the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, the Kimberley Flying Squad and the Western Cape National Nature Conservation team led to the arrest of Mizobuchi on May 9 this year.

The team received a tip-off regarding a suspicious vehicle in the Loeriesfontein area. The vehicle was stopped and searched along the N14 road between Upington and Olifantshoek. Fifty-three indigenous plants were confiscated and the vehicle was seized.

Mizobuchi has been remanded in custody and is expected to make his next court appearance on May 20.