Suspect due to appear in court for dealing in rhino horns

MPUMALANGA – A 47-year-old suspect is due to appear before the Kabokweni Magistrate Court today, after he was arrested by members of Wildlife trafficking Head Office DPCI, in collaboration with Mpumalanga DPCI. The team was tasked to trace the suspect in Johannesburg on a warrant of arrest.

His arrest follows after he was linked through DNA. Rhino horns were found during a search and seizure operation at his house in Johannesburg during a takedown operation, Project ‘Blood Orange’ in the early hours of 02 December 2022.

The DNA samples were sent to the laboratory, and the test results linked him positively to the crime scene. A case docket was opened, and the warrant of arrest was also issued against him. He handed himself over to the DPCI members, and he was charged for dealing in rhino horns.

It is alleged that the accused forms part of the syndicates in the Kruger National Park rhino poaching saga. The accused conspired with Maluleke and Lekhuleni’s families who were arrested in Mpumalanga and Limpopo respectively and released on bail.

Source: South African Police Service

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