Johannesburg – Two suspects were arrested by the law enforcement agencies in Mpumalanga yesterday for being in possession of 19 rhino horns with an estimated value of R2.6 million.
Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale said the two suspects aged 48 and 53 were arrested during a multi-disciplinary operation which was conducted yesterday by the Hawks’ Organised Crime Investigation, Wildlife Trafficking Counter-Intelligence and private sector to curb wildlife trafficking in Nelspruit.
“The suspects are expected to appear at the Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court today after they were arrested whilst transporting 19 rhino horns in two bakkies. They were charged for illegal possession and selling of rhino horns. Their vehicles were impounded for further investigation,” she said.
She said the rhino horns with an estimated value of R2,6 million were seized and an investigation to ascertain if the suspects are linked to crimes contravening the Endangered Species Act is continuing.
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