Six male suspects, Nelson Usale Mlotha (46), Darlington Cele (43), Austan Mwanyani (42), Ndumiso Masuku (42), Kelvin Chakwira (35), and Lyton Kamanga (30), appeared before the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on 11 November facing charges of possession of elephant tusks.
Hawks spokesperson Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu said the suspects were arrested during a sting operation conducted by a joint team consisting of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Endangered Species unit, Midrand detectives and provincial investigation unit. “It resulted in the apprehension of six men at President Park in Midrand on Friday, 8 November.”
They were in possession of three elephant tusks weighing 58kg. “The tusks were neatly wrapped in plastic and weaved bags. The team had kept surveillance on the suspects for a while following up on information received before they pounced on the group when they were delivering the loot to the apparent buyer,” Mulamu said.
The suspects remain in custody and are due to be back in court on 18 November pending further investigation.
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