By Mapaballo Borotho
- A 52-year-old suspect linked to a rhino horn case was arrested at the airport while attempting to board a flight to Singapore.
- The horns are believed to be part of a staged robbery involving 98 rhino horns in Hartbeesfontein.
- A Toyota Prado suspected to have been used in the crime was seized during the investigation.
A 52-year-old suspect linked to the Kempton Park case involving the possession of rhino horns and predator bones has been arrested.
He was arrested on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, as he was about to board a flight to Singapore with his family.
Hawks’ spokesperson Katlego Mogale confirmed that the suspect will make a brief court appearance before the Bellville Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.
“The suspect has been linked to the Kempton Park case of possession of rhino horns and predator bones, which were discovered to have originated from Hartbeesfontein in the North West. This is in contravention of sections of the National Environmental Management and Biodiversity Act, following the arrest of two Nigerian nationals on 01 December 2025,” said Mogale.
The rhino horns are alleged to have been part of a staged robbery reported on 08 December 2025 at Voi Farm in Hartbeesfontein, where 98 rhino horns were allegedly stolen.
Seventeen of the recovered rhino horns on 01 December 2025 were part of the 98 horns reported stolen on 08 December 2025.
Mogale said investigations further established that the owner of the rhino horns was a Vietnamese national who was suspiciously not present at the time of the robbery.
The vehicle suspected to have been used as an instrument in committing the crime was traced to Woodhill Golf Estate in Pretoria, where search warrants were applied for and approved.
The operation resulted in the seizure of a Toyota Prado, which is suspected to have been used in the commission of a crime.
Acting National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Patrick Mbotho reiterated that the Hawks will remain steadfast in stamping out wildlife trafficking and related serious organised crime.
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