TWO SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF ELEPHANT TUSKS AND AMMUNITIONS
LIMPOPO: Two suspects aged 42 and 47 were arrested on 02 July 2025 for alleged illegal possession of elephant tusks and ammunitions.
The suspects were arrested during an integrated disruptive operation conducted by Phalaborwa based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI), Sani Sand Nature Reserve, and the Kruger National Park Environmental Crime Investigation.
It is alleged that members received a tip-off about two men who were selling elephant ivory.
The information was operationalised. Police contacted the suspects pretending to buy the tusks. They agreed to meet at Selwane village. The entrapment was made. The suspects were arrested upon arrival at the place of appointment.
During arrest, the suspects were found in possessions of four elephants tusks, hunting rifle ammunitions, and hunting rifle cartridges. The tusks are estimated to the value of R200 000.
The suspects are expected to appear before Lulekani Magistrate’s Court on 03 July 2025 for contravention of the National Environmental Biodiversity Act.
The operations focused on addressing illicit trade of elephant ivory within Limpopo Province are ongoing. The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo Province Major General (Adv) Gopz Govender commended the team for their excellent performance. He thanked community members for taking action against criminal activities by reporting to the relevant authorities.
