Dealing in rhino horns, Hawks arrest two men

South African Police Service

Dealing in rhino horns, Hawks arrest two men
Dealing in rhino horns, Hawks arrest two men

Matheus Willem Johannes Viljoen (55) and Gerrit Michael Johannes Davies (65) appeared at Kimberley Magistrate Court on Friday, 11 October 2019.

They were facing charges of illegal dealing in rhino horns and contravention of Section 57 of the National Environmental Management-Biodiversity (Nemba) Act 57 of 2009.

The duo was arrested on Thursday 10 October 2019, during an intelligence driven operation led by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigating team together with the Stock Theft Unit and SANParks.

They were nabbed in possession of two Rhino horns and five other smaller pieces valued at R1.9 million. The team also seized an Astra revolver and a vehicle used in the commission of the alleged crime, following their failed attempts to sell the horns.

The case against the duo was remanded to 18 October 2019, for a formal bail application.

South Africa Today – South Africa News

SOURCESouth African Police Service