By Abdullahi Lukman
The South African Police Service’s Hawks unit has arrested six suspects linked to a large-scale rhino horn trafficking scheme involving 964 horns destined for illegal markets in Southeast Asia.
The suspects, aged 49 to 84, face charges including fraud, theft, and violations of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), with possible racketeering and money laundering charges under review.
The arrests conclude a seven-year investigation by the Hawks’ Wildlife Trafficking Section, in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Green Scorpions and the National Prosecuting Authority.
Authorities say the suspects fraudulently obtained permits to buy and sell rhino horns domestically but illegally exported the horns despite international bans under CITES.
Forestry Minister Dr. Dion George hailed the operation as a significant victory against wildlife crime, emphasizing South Africa’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage and enforcing the law.
The suspects surrendered at Sunnyside Police Station and appeared in Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on August 19, 2025.
Rhino horn remains a highly valuable commodity on Asian black markets, posing a severe threat to conservation efforts.
Minister George warned that the arrests send a strong message to trafficking syndicates that South Africa will rigorously pursue justice against wildlife criminals.