Three suspects between the ages of (33) and (35) were arrested on Wednesday, 06 September 2023 in Bruma, Johannesburg, by members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Johannesburg and K9 Unit Johannesburg for the illegal possession of elephant tusks.
Information was received about a Nissan Almera that was transporting ivory tusks around the Bruma area in Johannesburg. Members of the Hawks’ and the K9 unit operationalised and followed up on the information. The vehicle fitting the description was spotted by the members, the car was stopped and searched and two elephant ivory tusks were found on the back seat behind the driver.
The three were arrested and are expected to make their first appearance before the Johannesburg Regional court on Friday, 08 September 2023 where they will be charged with illegal possession of elephant tusks and contravening the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA).
