Two suspects, aged 19 and 48,  who were found allegedly in possession of 19 rhino horns, are expected to appear at the Nelspruit Magistrate’s court in Mpumalanga, on Thursday.

The horns are estimated to have a value of R2.6 million.

Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale says the two suspects are charged with illegal possession and selling of rhino horn.

Mogale says, “In a multidisciplinary operation conducted yesterday by the Hawks’ Organised Crime Investigation, Wildlife Trafficking Counter-Intelligence and private sector to curb wildlife trafficking in Nelspruit, the two suspects were detained…”

“They were charged for illegal possession and selling of rhino horns. Their vehicles were impounded for further investigation. An investigation to ascertain if the suspects are linked to crimes contravening the Endangered Species Act is continuing,” Mogale added.