An official from the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism has been arrested in connection with the illegal rhino horn trade, the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries has confirmed.
Yet to be identified, the official and the owner of a security company were arrested on Thursday in alleged contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, the rhino norms and standards and contravention of permit conditions.
‘The men were arrested and a vehicle seized by a multi-departmental team comprising members of the department’s Green Scorpions, working in collaboration with the Hawks, the Dedect and the Northern Cape department of environment and nature conservation,’ said Department spokesperson Albi Modise. ‘The suspects are alleged to have conveyed 17 individual detached rhino horns from the Northern Cape to North West in contravention of permit conditions issued by both provinces.’
The suspects are expected to appear in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
ALSO READ,
Two alleged rhino poachers, including police officer, released on bail
