Self-proclaimed prophet Jackson Mbabi, who is serving a sentence of 10 years and a fine of N.dollars 370 000 or an additional 17 years for rhino poaching, has instructed Windhoek lawyer, Trevor Brockerhoff, in his bid to appeal the sentence.

Mbabi made a brief appearance in the Windhoek High Court on Wednesday before Deputy Judge President Hosea Angula. His matter returns to court on 20 September 2023 for the allocation of hearing dates. Mbabi was ordered to file his heads of argument by 08 September 2023, whereafter the State, represented by Prosecutor Johannes Kalinin, will file the replying heads of argument.

Mbabi was arrested in 2020, after two rhino horns were found in his house in Windhoek’s Kleine Kuppe suburb. Mbabi admitted guilt in September 2022. He was tried on 11 charges, including two charges of illegally hunting specially protected game, possession of rhino horns, double theft charges, illegally supplying a firearm and ammunition to persons, racketeering, two charges of money laundering and bribery.

In his admission, Mbabi confessed that he was involved in the poaching of an adult rhino and a calf at a farm around Gobabis in May 2020. He also admitted that he supplied a hunting rifle to his five co-accused.

Babi also admitted that he offered a police officer N.dollars 13 000 in an attempt to have the police officer release him from custody.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency