Two suspects aged 48 and 39 are expected to appear in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 20 June on allegations of being in possession of rhino horns.
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team in Germiston, Stock theft, Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), and the Department of Environmental Affairs conducted an intelligence driven operation after receiving information about a vehicle reportedly traveling from the Kwa-Zulu Natal to Gauteng with rhino horns.
Authorities intercepted the identified vehicle, silver Toyota Fortuner with two occupants aged 39 and 48 in the East of Johannesburg. Upon searching the vehicle, the police found two pieces of rhino horns concealed in the front part of the vehicle.
The horns appeared to have been recently extracted. Over R5000 in cash was found in Mabanga’s possession.
The pair has been charged for dealing in rhino horns thereby contravening the National Environmental Management Biodiversity (NEMBA).