Three suspects, aged between 35 and 45, were arrested in Swellendam earlier this week for the illegal possession and sale of rhinoceros horns worth almost R300 000, reports Cape town Etc .
According to Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi, the arrest results from a joint sting operation between the Hawks Bellville-based Economic Protected Resources EPR Unit, SAPS K9 Unit Overberg and Swellendam-based Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit.
It was reported that on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, the Hawks members conducted an operation where rhinoceros horns were allegedly purchased on the N2, Buffeljags Rivier, Swellendam. This operation led to the arrest of one of the suspects, said Vukubi.
The other two attempted to flee but were pursued and apprehended. Three rhinoceros horns to the value of R258 270 were recovered.
The trio is expected to appear at the Swellendam Magistrates Court today, 4 July.