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Like JudgeG, I have known Geffert for many years. He's been a regular exhibitor at Georgia Chapter SCI conventions and has donated many safaris. A number of our members have hunted with him, and I had a safari tentatively booked a couple of years ago but had to cancel. It was my intention to hunt with him at some future date.

I spoke with Geffert at the convention last year about the white rhino situation, and got the same response as the Judge: Geffert assured me he was innocent. At that time he had been suspended by SCI but told me SCI's decision was in the process of being reversed. That was in February '04 and I haven't spoken to him since.

Appears Geffert's optimism was premature. Maybe he did what was necessary to reduce a lengthy sentence.

Geffert always struck me as an honest outfitter and a dedicated family man--a couple of years ago he brought his young daughter with him to GASCI, and we all sat together at the banquet. What a shame he fell victim to either stupidity or temptation.

We don't have a death penalty. These are a very stiff sentences in any event. Jeez even child murderers are getting a slap on the wrist nowadays.

Has anyone else seen this"

"Durban, South Africa. October 19, 2004. Charged with 13 counts of violating both criminal and conservation statutes of south african law, and facing over 10 years in prison, Geffert Pretorius, Professional Hunter, Outfitter and operator of the game lodge Mkuze Nyala Safaris plead guilty to 6 charges lodged against him.

The basis of the case is that Mr. Pretorius sold a White Rhinoceros not belonging to him to a German sports hunter. The animal was illegally killed and the action was fraudulent as well as in violation of 13 counts of South African law.

According to the official record "The State versus Geffert Pretorius" Case No 41/2966/2003, Geffert Pretorius plead guilty to Counts 2, 4, 6, 7, 10 and 12 of the indictment. They are:

Count #2 - Geffert Pretorius plead guilty to "Fraud" under Sections 99 and 103 of the Criminal Procedure Act, Act No. 51 of 1977.

Count #2 Sentence - Geffert Pretorius was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment suspended for 5 years.He was further ordered to make restitution of funds to the Rhino owners, as well as to the sport hunter in an amount of R450,000 by May 1, 2005 or, in failure thereof to begin serving his sentence.

Count #4 - Geffert Pretorius plead guilty to violating section 37 (1) "HUNTING SPECIALLY PROTECTED GAME WITHOUT A VALID PERMIT" read with sections 1, 36, 37(5), 48, 55, 57, 58, 215B and 216 and Schedule 3 of the Natal Nature Conservation Ordinance, No 15 of 1974, etc.

Count #6 - Geffert Pretorius plead guilty to contravening Section 49(1) "UNLAWFULLY SELLING SPECIALLY PROTECTED GAME WITHOUT A VALID PERMIT" read with sections 1, 36, 49(3), 55, 57, 58, 215B and 216 and Schedule 3 of the Natal Nature Conservation Ordinance, No 15 of 1974, etc.

Count #4 & #6 sentence. (both as for one sentence) - Geffert Pretorius was sentenced to pay a fine of R40,000 or 2 years imprisonment suspended for 5 years.

Count #7 - Geffert Pretorius plead guilty to contravening Section 95(2) "PROFESSIONAL HUNTER TO ENSURE LAWFUL HUNTING" read with sections 1, 93, 95(1), 97, 98, 99, 215B and 216 of the Natal Nature Conservation Ordinance, No 15 of 1974, etc.

Count #10 - Geffert Pretorius plead guilty to contravening
Regulation 5(1) "FAILURE BY PROFESSIONAL HUNTER TO RECORD REQUISITE INFORMATION IN REGISTER" read with regulations 1, 5(2), 5(3), 5(4) and 14 of the Regulaytions pertaining to Professional Hunters and Hunting Outfitters published in Provincial Notice No. 176 / 1985 on 23 May 1985, etc

Count #12 - Geffert Pretorius plead guilty to contravening
Regulation 8(1) "FAILURE BY HUNTING-OUTFITTER TO CONCLUDE A WRITTEN AGREEMENT WITH HIS CLIENT" read with Regulations 1, 8(2), 8(3), 8(4) and 14 of the Regulations pertaining to Professional Hunters and Hunting Outfitters published in Provincial Notice No. 176 / 1985 on 23 May 1985, etc.

Count #7 #10 #12 - (all as for one sentence) Geffert Pretorius was sentenced to pay a fine of R30,000 or 18 months imprisonment, a further 18 months imprisonment is suspended for 5 years.

In addition, in terms of section 215B (1)(a)(ii) Ordinance 15/1974 (Kwa Zulu Natal) it was ordered that the white rhinoceros trophy be forfeited to the Kwa Zulu Natal Provincial Administration.

All fines are deferred to May 1, 2005."


George

That guy should get the death penalty.

I wonder if the client got jammed up, too.

George

Being a Professional Hunter and Outfitter in a very competitive market is not easy. It appears that some people will do almost anything to make some money. Geffert was convicted and a penalty has been imposed.(If he claims to be innocent or not is irrelevant)

What concerns me is that a vast amount of damage has been inflicted to hunting in South Africa. People by nature tend only to remeber the negative issues.

Being a PH and Outfitter and being Gefferts neighbour I have first hand experience of the effects of the courts findings. We are not all out to exploit clients and do have ethics.The court convicted Geffert which sends out a very strong message to other operators in our area, you need to clean up you operation and ensure that you stick to the rules.

Our area ( Mkuze) has attracted numerous foreign investors and is trying its utmost to encourage tourism,hunting and investment. I sincerely hope that this unfortunate incident will not damage the good work done.

Dries van Coller