By OBAKENG MAJE
Four suspects were arrested for dealing in rhino horn. Raher Mahomed (27), Joao Seven (39), Abraham Khoza (49) and Usuf Mikilo (51) were arrested in Rustenburg on 15 March 2024, following a sting operation.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Col Tinyiko Mathebula said, the police received a tip-off regarding four suspects, who were reportedly planning to sell a rhino horn for R65 000. Mathebula further said the information was operationalised and the police pounced on the suspects soon after making a transaction.
He added that they have been charged with dealing in rhino horn under National Environmental Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004.
“All four suspects briefly appeared in Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court and were remanded in custody until 20 March 2024 for bail application,” said Mathebula.
Meanwhile, the North West Head of Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho, has welcomed the arrest and lauded the members’ swift action on the information received.
The Guardian 