Three people were arrested in Mpumalanga for being in possession of six rhino horn.
The Hawks said the arrests were made following an intelligence-driven operation involving several police units following information that three people were allegedly dealing in rhino horns.
"The team obtained a search and seizure warrant and descended on the suspects' house at Clau-Clau, Newscom in Pienaar,” said Hawks spokesperson, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi.
“On arrival at the premises, an intensive search commenced and members located a number of hunting knives in one of the three vehicles that were parked inside the yard. They also uncovered a sizable amount of money inside the house.”
"The team proceeded with the search around the yard and found six rhino horns hidden inside the outside restroom. The horns are believed to be sets from three dead rhinos," he said.
Mulaudzi said the suspects, two men and a woman, aged between 24 and 34, were then arrested.
He said they also seized three vehicles, money, and the six rhino horns.
“The three suspects were expected to appear in the Kabokweni Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, April 28, on charges of illegal possession of rhino horns in terms of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act,” Mulaudzi said.
- African News Agency (ANA), editing by Jacques Keet
