A senior botanic horticulturist from the South African National Institute of Botany has appeared in the Springbok District Court where he faces charges of fraud and corruption related to plant poaching.

Of Sinenhlanhla Masilela

A SENIOR botanical horticulturist at the South African National Botanical Institute (SANBI), Adam Harrower, has appeared in the Springbok District Court where he faces charges of fraud and corruption related to plant poaching.

On Friday, Harrower joined his two co-defendants, including former police officer Captain Karel Coetzee du Toit and Warrant Officer Leonard William Landrew.

Northern Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said Captain Coetzee Du Toit, who served as commander of the Springbok and Endangered Species Theft Unit, and Landrew are facing with charges of fraud, theft, defeating the administration of justice, violation of the Tourism Law and corruption.

Senokoatsane said Harrower, as an employee of SANBI, allegedly submitted fraudulent invoices for work done at the springbok and endangered species stock theft unit using a business registered in his wife’s name, Cape May Landscapes Close Corporation , despite the fact that he was a state employee. .

“These invoices were processed and paid without a proper contractual agreement between SAPS and Cape May Landscapes. It has emerged that Captain Coetzee Du Toit approved these payments without authorization to do so.”

Harrower made his first court appearance on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, and the matter was transferred to Friday so he could join his co-defendant after they first appeared in August.

Du Toit is currently out on R50,000 bail, while Landrew and Harrower were released on R20,000 bail each.

Senokoatsane said bail conditions for all the accused were that they should not intimidate witnesses or interfere with the ongoing investigation and were required to surrender their passports.

The case was adjourned to December 3 for further investigation.