Multiple Arrests Made as Authorities Target Wildlife Trafficking Syndicates
Illegal trading of elephant tusks and rhino horns still go on even though there are many laws in place to protect these animals. South African law enforcement continues its relentless efforts to curb the illegal trading of endangered animal parts, with two major operations resulting in the arrests of five suspects in Limpopo and the Western Cape. The suspects were caught in possession of elephant tusks and rhinoceros horns—wildlife commodities that fuel a dangerous black market trade worth billions globally.
Illegal trading in Limpopo
In a successful joint operation on 2 July 2025, the Hawks’ Serious Organized Crime Investigation (SOCI) unit based in Phalaborwa, alongside Sani Sand Nature Reserve and Kruger National Park Environmental Crime Investigation, arrested two suspects aged 42 and 47 in Selwane village.
The arrests were part of an undercover sting operation after authorities received a tip-off about suspects attempting to sell elephant ivory. Officers posed as potential buyers, resulting in the suspects being caught in possession of four elephant tusks, hunting rifle ammunition, and cartridges. The estimated street value of the tusks is around R200,000.
The suspects appeared before the Lulekani Magistrate’s Court on 3 July 2025, facing charges under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act.
Illegal trading of Rhino Horn
On the same day, 2 July 2025, the Hawks’ Bellville-based Economic Protected Resources (EPR) team, assisted by SAPS K9 Unit, Overberg, and Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit in Swellendam, arrested three men aged between 35 and 45.
The operation, staged on the N2 highway in Buffeljags Rivier, Swellendam, resulted in the recovery of three rhinoceros horns valued at R258,270. One suspect was immediately apprehended during the staged transaction. The other two attempted to flee but were swiftly caught.
All three suspects are scheduled to appear before the Swellendam Magistrate’s Court today, Friday, 4 July 2025. The trio face charges related to the illegal trading of rhinoceros horns without permits.
Why Are Rhino Horns and Elephant Tusks Sold Illegally?
The Lucrative Demand Behind the Trade
Wildlife products such as rhino horns and elephant tusks are sold illegally for various reasons, often tied to profit and deep-rooted myths:
- Rhino horn is wrongly believed to have medicinal properties in some parts of Asia.
- Ivory is carved into ornaments, jewelry, and trinkets for elite buyers.
- Both are considered status symbols in illegal black markets.
- Some investors buy and store these materials as speculative assets.
- In traditional Eastern medicine, ground rhino horn is falsely marketed as a cure for fever or cancer.
Why the Trade is Illegal
Despite the high demand, the trade is prohibited under South African law and international conventions such as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). Key reasons include:
- Endangerment: Both elephants and rhinos are critically endangered due to poaching.
- Cruelty: Animals are often killed brutally to extract these body parts.
- Biodiversity loss: Removing keystone species affects entire ecosystems.
- Violation of permits and conservation laws: Selling without permits is a criminal offense.
Authorities Urge Public Support in the Fight Against Wildlife Crime
Major General (Adv.) Gopz Govender, the Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo, praised both operations for their coordination and success. He extended gratitude to community members who continue to report illegal wildlife activity, playing a crucial role in stopping illegal trading at its roots.