CRIME NEWS - Last week the Hawks, assisted by SAPS K9 Unit, Overberg and Stock Theft and Endangered Species based in Swellendam, nabbed three men in possession of rhino horn worth R258 270 during an undercover operation at Buffeljags River next to the N2 outside Swellendam.
The three suspects, all from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, were trying to sell the three rhino horns during the undercover operation conducted on Wednesday 2 July.
Following the arrests, CapeNature officials were contacted to assist in the further investigation of the case, which was subsequently registered at the Swellendam Police Station.
The charges are linked to contraventions under the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974, relating to possession and sale, without a permit.
The suspects appeared in the Swellendam magistrates court on Friday 4 July.
The case against Shaun Barties (41), Christopher Farret (35) and Cheslyn Whitebooi (45) was postponed to 11 July for bail application. All three were remanded into custody.
The illegal trade in rhino horn remains one of the most pervasive forms of biodiversity crime.
"CapeNature commends the swift and co-ordinated action of the Hawks and SAPS and is committed to supporting law enforcement efforts to bring perpetrators to justice,” said CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo.
Additional rhino poaching related information and statistics can be found here.
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