Two accused, Schalk Steyn (48) and Johannes Groenewald (53) appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court today after they were arrested whilst transporting 19 rhino horns in two bakkies. They were answering to charges of illegal possession and selling of rhino horns.
The pair was arrested during a multi-disciplinary operation conducted yesterday, 21 July 2021 by the Hawks’ Organised Crime Investigation, Wildlife Trafficking Counter-Intelligence and private sector to curb wildlife trafficking.
During their arrest, they were found with 19 rhino horns with an estimated value of R2, 6 million which were seized and the two vehicles that were transporting them were impounded.
The pair is back in court tomorrow, 23 July 2021 for formal bail application.
Investigation to ascertain if the suspects are linked to crimes contravening the Endangered Species Act is continuing.
