South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has hailed the arrest of six suspects linked to a major international rhino horn trafficking syndicate as a decisive victory in the fight against wildlife crime.
“This complex investigation, which was also supported by the Department’s Enforcement Unit (the Green Scorpions) and the National Prosecuting Authority, is a powerful demonstration of South Africa’s resolve to protect its natural heritage,” Dr George said. “The Hawks’ work shows that our enforcement agencies will not hesitate to pursue those who plunder our wildlife for criminal profit.”
The arrests followed a seven-year investigation by the Wildlife Trafficking Section of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, which uncovered a fraudulent scheme involving 964 rhino horns worth millions of rand. The horns were destined for illegal markets in Southeast Asia.
Investigators allege that the syndicate secured Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) permits under false pretences, allowing them to buy and sell rhino horn domestically while illegally channelling the horns abroad.
Domestic trade in rhino horn is permitted with valid DFFE-issued permits under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) of 2004. However, international commercial trade remains banned under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The six suspects, five men and one woman aged between 49 and 84, face charges of fraud, theft and contravention of NEMBA, with further charges of racketeering and money laundering under consideration. They surrendered at Sunnyside Police Station and appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on 19 August 2025.
Dr George underscored that the government would not relent in its crackdown on syndicates exploiting South Africa’s wildlife.
“The illegal trade in rhino horn not only destroys biodiversity but also undermines the rule of law and the foundations of environmental governance,” he said. “Let there be no doubt: South Africa will bring the full force of its laws against those who plunder our wildlife. This arrest proves that syndicates cannot escape justice, no matter how complex their schemes.”
