A joint operation led by the Hawks resulted in the arrest of 12 suspects including three police officers for alleged rhino poaching.
The suspects were arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively in a multi-disciplinary and intelligence-led operation in two provinces.
Earlier this week the NEWS reported rhino horns were found during a bust at Greenstone Ridge on November 24.
In a statement issued by the SAPS today, it is stated Operation Ringleader was conducted in conjunction with crime intelligence, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory and the National Prosecuting Authority.
The suspects were arrested in Gauteng and North West and appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court today on on charges of money laundering and racketeering as contained in the POCA Act, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and corruption.
In a statement issued by the SAPS, it is stated the high flying group has been a subject of an investigation since 2013 and is alleged to have contributed to the illegal poaching of rhinos and illicit dealing of rhino horns in Klerksdorp, Rustenburg, Pretoria and Johannesburg.
During the operation, 13 illegal firearms which included eight rifles and five pistols; three small scales; one electrical hacksaw; four rhino horns; chopped rhino horns; R1,1-million in cash and eight luxury vehicles were found and confiscated. The seized items including the money is estimated at R6-million.
The National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Mthandazo Ntlemeza commended the multi-disciplinary team for their work in securing the arrest of the alleged rhino poaching syndicate ringleaders and police members.
“We are pleased with the arrest and resultant confiscations. This successful operation yet again illustrates the good working relationship we have with our stakeholders.
“This operation is continuing until all syndicates are wiped out,” he said.
