East Rand man arrested with R170 000 worth of rhino horn, 3 more arrested in North West for rhino horn theft
A man was arrested in the East Rand after being found in possession of a rhino horn worth an estimated R170,000.
The Hawks, working in collaboration with the Benoni K9 Unit, stopped a suspicious Toyota Etios during a routine patrol along the R21 highway near Atlas Road.
Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered a 1.6-kilogram rhino horn concealed in a yellow plastic bag under the driver’s seat.
The driver, identified as 47-year-old Hlulani Baloyi, was arrested on the spot and subsequently appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court.
He faces charges of illegal possession of rhino horns and contravention of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA). His case has been postponed to August 11 for a formal bail application.
In a related development, three men were arrested in North West in connection with the theft of 51 rhino horns from the North West Parks Board in Mahikeng.
The suspects were charged with business burglary, and five vehicles suspected to have been used in the crime were confiscated for further investigation.
In response to the theft of the rhino horns, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for urgent action to recover the stolen horns and pledged to continue pressuring authorities to maintain transparency and accountability in wildlife conservation efforts.
“We acknowledge the role our collective efforts play in safeguarding our wildlife and will continue to put pressure on the authorities to maintain transparency and accountability in these matters,” said DA MP on forestry, fisheries, and environment, Dave Bryant.
-IOL
In other news – VIDEO: Pregnant Asavela Mngqithi’s dance moves leave fans in stitches
Popular Mzansi pregnant actress Asavela Mngqithi left fans in stitches with her dance moves. The bubbly actress announced a few days ago that she was pregnant, and fans congratulated her.
It seemed Asaveka had been waiting for her pregnancy so much, and she was enjoying herself like ever. Indeed, not many women get to make comedy of themselves and dance while they are pregnant. Some keep it so sacred that they don’t post pictures on social media, but that’s not Asavela. Read More
