Johannesburg – Two foreign nationals are set to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate Court over allegations of contravening South Africa’s environmental laws, following a joint law enforcement operation targeting wildlife trafficking.
A 44-year-old foreign national is scheduled to appear on Thursday, 12 March, on charges of violating the National Environmental Management and Biodiversity Act.
The suspect was arrested on 11 March in Heidelberg during the execution of an authorised search and seizure warrant and a warrant of arrest.
“The suspect is alleged to have been involved in the staged theft of rhino horns at Haartebeesfontein,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.
The operation, which also included searches in Centurion, was intelligence-driven and coordinated by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation’s Wildlife Trafficking Section of the Hawks. They were assisted by the Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS), Pretoria K9 Unit, SAPS Head Office Modus Operandi Centre, and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment.
“During the search in Centurion, suspected illegal processed elephant ivory valued at R200,000 was discovered and seized.”
On the same day, the suspect’s co-accused, 52-year-old Bao Trung, a Vietnamese national, will also appear in court for a formal bail application following his initial appearance last week.
SAPS emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling wildlife crime. “This operation highlights the commitment of South African law enforcement to combatting environmental crimes and protecting our country’s biodiversity,” the statement read.
The court appearances mark the latest step in ongoing efforts to disrupt organised wildlife trafficking networks in South Africa.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
