Thohoyandou trio found in Mbombela with elephant tusks
Three men from Limpopo were arrested for the illegal possession of elephant tusks, which was found hidden inside a bag.
Three suspects between the ages of 38 and 53 were expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court today to make their first appearance after they were arrested near the Halls filling station outside Mbombela yesterday.
They were nabbed for the illegal possession of elephant tusks.
Mpumlanga Hawks spokesperson Captain Dineo Sekgotodi says the trio originate from Thohoyandou in Limpopo and were arrested by members of the Nelspruit Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit and the White River Flying Squad.
“We received information regarding a double-cab Toyota Hilux suspected to be carrying elephant tusks. The team operationalised the information, and the vehicle fitting the description was spotted, stopped and searched. During the search, three elephant tusks were found hidden inside a bag in the rear of the vehicle,” she explains.
Sekgotodi adds the suspects were apprehended and charged with the illegal possession of elephant tusks and contravening the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004.
Exhibits and the vehicle valued at R70 000 were seized for further investigations.
Their court outcome was not yet known by the time of publishing.
Read original story on www.citizen.co.za