The South African Police Service’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) has struck a major blow against international wildlife trafficking with the arrest of six suspects allegedly linked to a fraudulent rhino horn scheme involving 964 horns destined for illegal markets in Southeast Asia.
The suspects, aged between 49 and 84, face charges of fraud, theft, and contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) of 2004.
Additional charges of racketeering and money laundering are also under consideration.
The arrests mark the culmination of a seven-year investigation by the Wildlife Trafficking Section of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s (DFFE) Green Scorpions and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Fraudulent Permits & International Smuggling
Investigators allege the suspects obtained DFFE permits under false pretences to buy and sell rhino horns domestically.
Instead of remaining in South Africa, the horns were secretly channelled into the illegal global trade, despite a strict ban on international commercial trade under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Domestic trade is permitted only with valid permits under NEMBA, but authorities say the accused exploited loopholes to mask their operations.
Minister Applauds Breakthrough
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, hailed the arrests as a landmark victory.
“This complex investigation is a powerful demonstration of South Africa’s resolve to protect its natural heritage. The Hawks’ work shows that our enforcement agencies will not hesitate to pursue those who plunder our wildlife for criminal profit. The illegal trade in rhino horn not only destroys biodiversity but also undermines the rule of law and environmental governance,” he said.
The six suspects – five men and one woman – surrendered at Sunnyside Police Station before appearing in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on August 19, 2025.
Global Wildlife Crime in Focus
Rhino horn remains one of the most lucrative commodities in illegal wildlife trafficking, fetching high prices in Asian black markets where it is wrongly believed to have medicinal and status-symbol value.
Conservationists warn that the illicit trade threatens to undo decades of progress in rhino protection.
Minister George stressed that this operation sends a clear warning to wildlife crime syndicates:
“Let there be no doubt: South Africa will bring the full force of its laws against those who plunder our wildlife. This arrest proves that syndicates cannot escape justice, no matter how complex their schemes.”
By Winston Mwale, AfricaBrief