A 40-year-old man is expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ court on 2 February 2022, for contravention of the NEMBA Act and illegal dealing in rhino horn.
It is alleged that the suspect was about to board a Qatar airline to Malaysia on 31 January 2022, when authorities discovered suspicious objects in his luggage at a check-in point.
Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Germiston responded to the crime scene. Upon arrival police discovered five rhino horns wrapped in a foil, concealed in sweets and green tea boxes.
Further investigation directed authorities to the airplane where the suspect’s second luggage was dispatched. The investigation team discovered six more rhino horns.
The suspect was immediately arrested and charged. Investigation continues and more charges cannot be ruled out.
