North West: Rustenburg Cluster: An intelligence driven operation that was conducted by Rustenburg Cluster Crime Combating Unit yielded success when five suspects were arrested on Tuesday, 27 March 2018 at Lefaragatlha village near Phokeng for unlawful possession of elephant tusks.
The apprehension of the suspects aged between 28 and 36 came after the police responded swiftly upon a tip-off about alleged illegal sale of ivory. Police proceed to the identified house in Lefaragatlhe where they found the suspects. A search was conducted and two Elephant tusks worth an estimated value of R600 000,00 were found inside the boot of a Toyota Vios with a Botswana registration number. The suspects were subsequently arrested.
They are set to appear before the Bafokeng Magistrates’ Court in Tlhabane on Thursday, 29 March 2018.
The North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Ryno Naidoo applauded the members for their swift response that led to the arrest of the suspects.