Leopard killer found guilty

Tumelo Mouwane | Tuesday December 15, 2015 15:01

 

Tom Tlhoolebe was convicted on his own plea of guilty. He agreed to all the facts placed against him. Tlhoolebe did not object that on July 17, 2015, he set a trap that targeted game animals, especially antelopes in a bushy area near Lobatse quarry.  He did not object that the following day, he found that a leopard was caught in the trap and died on the spot. 

He later continued with his day alongside his colleagues who work as security guards at Lobatse quarry.  Tlhoolebe skinned the leopard and ate the meat, but was days later arrested by the Lobatse police who ordered him to hand in the leopard skin.

Convicting him, Dipate said Tlhoolebe has a case to answer. “I believe the state has a case against you and I will on your own plea of guilty, convict you for illegal hunting,” Dipate said.

In mitigation, Tlhoolebe told the court that he is the breadwinner and his family would suffer if he was to be imprisoned. He will be sentenced today.