GAUTENG – A powerful, coordinated operation has delivered a significant blow to transnational wildlife trafficking networks, resulting in the seizure of 17 rhino horns and a substantial quantity of lion and tiger parts.
The breakthrough follows a multi-agency operation involving the Border Management Authority (BMA), the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs, and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), which confirmed authorities’ success in intercepting a major consignment destined for the illegal Southeast Asian market.
Conducted earlier this week, the intelligence-driven operation was spearheaded by the DPCI Wildlife Trafficking Section, with critical support from the BMA, SARS Customs, Tracker Connect, the Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS) Tactical Response Team, and the Gauteng SAPS Airwing.
According to a BMA statement released on Thursday, the investigation was launched after a suspicious consignment, originally dispatched to Singapore, was identified and returned to its sender in South Africa.
“Investigative teams traced the shipment to a storage facility in Kempton Park [in Gauteng]. Upon execution of the search, four boxes were identified and thoroughly examined,” the statement read.
Inside the boxes, officials uncovered 17 rhino horns weighing 55.4 kilograms, along with 26.2 kilograms of lion and tiger bones, skulls and claws
Arrests and court appearance
Two Nigerian nationals, aged 34 and 35, were identified as the intended receivers of the illicit consignment and were immediately taken into custody.
The suspects appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 3 December 2025. They face serious charges related to the contravention of Section 57(1) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004), which strictly prohibits restricted activities involving listed threatened or protected species.
The monetary value of the seized items has not yet been disclosed, pending ongoing forensic and official valuation processes.
Commitment to combating crime
The multi-agency investigation remains highly active, and authorities have not ruled out additional arrests as they pursue all leads and deepen cooperation with both domestic and international partners.
Dr. Michael Masiapato, Commissioner of the BMA, commended the involved agencies for their seamless coordination. He reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to combating wildlife trafficking, stressing that the crime severely threatens South Africa’s natural heritage and fuels organised criminal networks.
