This as the BMA, SARS, and the DPCI, working with other stakeholders, have confirmed a breakthrough in the fight against wildlife trafficking, following a coordinated transnational operation that resulted in the seizure of a significant consignment of rhino horns and lion/tiger parts destined for the South East Asian illegal market.

The operation conducted on Monday, was led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) Wildlife Trafficking Section, with support from the BMA, SARS Customs, Tracker Connect, the Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS) Tactical Response Team and the Gauteng SAPS Airwing, among others.

“The intelligence-driven operation was launched after a suspicious consignment originally dispatched to Singapore, was identified and returned to its sender in South Africa. Investigative teams traced the shipment to a storage facility in Kempton Park [in Gauteng]. Upon execution of the search, four boxes were identified and thoroughly examined.

“Inside the boxes, officials uncovered 17 rhino horns weighing 55.4 kilograms, along with 26.2 kilograms of lion and tiger bones, skulls and claws,” said the BMA in a statement on Thursday.

Two Nigerian nationals, aged 34 and 35, were identified as the receivers of the consignment and were taken into custody.

The two appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 03 December 2025, on charges relating to the contravention of Section 57(1) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004), which prohibits restricted activities involving listed threatened or protected species.

The value of the items has not yet disclosed due to ongoing forensic and valuation processes.

The multi-agency investigation remains active, and additional arrests have not been ruled out as authorities pursue all leads and deepen cooperation with both domestic and international partners.

The Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Michael Masiapato, commended all agencies involved for their seamless coordination and reaffirmed the unwavering commitment to combating wildlife trafficking, which threatens South Africa’s natural heritage and fuels organised criminal networks.

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The suspects were apprehended in Amazon Street, Primrose Park, during an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the South African Police Service’s Operation Lockdown III in collaboration with the Endangered Species K9 Unit.

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dion George, has welcomed the successful intelligence-driven operation, which uncovered a drying facility containing 6 400 units of abalone with an estimated street value of R3 520 000.

“This operation demonstrates the unwavering performance of our law enforcement partners in protecting South Africa’s marine resources from illegal exploitation,” George said.

The suspects have been charged with the possession of abalone. This further underscore the effectiveness of joint initiatives in disrupting poaching networks.

The Minister noted that such actions are vital to the broader strategy to safeguard endangered species and ensure sustainable fisheries management.

This continued enforcement success reflects the international commitments achieved under the Cape Town Declaration on Crimes that Affect the Environment, adopted during South Africa’s Group Twenty (G20) Presidency, which recognises environmental crimes as organised crimes that demand coordinated global action.

“These types of crimes also vindicate the decision taken to uplist dried abalone under Appendix II of CITES, a step aimed at strengthening global trade controls and reinforcing efforts to combat the illegal abalone trade,” the Minister said.

The Minister reiterated this support for intensified enforcement against wildlife crime while also emphasising that “every successful seizure brings us closer to preserving our ocean heritage for future generations.”

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This is after media reports incorrectly suggested that South Africa plans to diverge from the international consensus on the trade of ivory and rhino horns.

This comes ahead of the upcoming 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP20), which will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 24 November – 5 December 2025.

“Our policy is guided by science, ethics, and global cooperation, not by commercial interest,”  statement from the DFFE said.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said: “South Africa will not support any move to reopen the ivory or rhino horn trade. Our duty is to protect our wildlife, not to profit from their destruction.”

South Africa’s approach to elephant and rhino conservation is grounded in sustainability, protection of biodiversity, and support for communities who live alongside wildlife.

The department said it will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to combat poaching, dismantle trafficking networks, and strengthen wildlife law enforcement.

“South Africa has a proud record of responsible conservation management under CITES. Our engagement in CITES processes aims to protect species, maintain ecological integrity, and ensure that conservation delivers long-term social and economic benefits.”

The department stressed that any suggestion that they seek to weaken international agreements or undermine collective conservation efforts is without basis.

“The DFFE’s priority is clear and this is to secure a future where elephants, rhinos and people can thrive together.”

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The efforts of enforcement officials from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the South African Police Service (SAPS), the City of Cape Town Marine Unit, and other enforcement agencies disrupted a large-scale illegal abalone poaching operation on Monday and Tuesday.

On 22 September, DFFE Fishery Control Officers together with the other law enforcement officers intercepted a truck with dried abalone near Rawsonville in the Western Cape.

The truck was transporting 13 341 dried abalone with a weight of approximately 840 kilograms with an estimated value of R5 million.

A day later, law enforcement officers discovered an abalone poaching operation, which involved approximately 20 divers.

Despite the difficulties posed by rough terrain and the strategic concealment tactics used by the divers, enforcement teams were assisted by the SAPS drone unit and managed to apprehend nine suspects and recover diving equipment and gear.

“These arrests, and other recent ones, are indicative of our ongoing conservation efforts supported by stronger, tactical law enforcement.

“Criminal syndicates must know that South Africans do not tolerate lawlessness and the misuse of our natural assets – those who exploit our natural resources will face the full consequences of the law,” the Minister said on Thursday.

George has called on the public to join hands in the fight against illegal activity by reporting any suspicious activities to the relevant DFFE authorities on 086 111 2468 | cscenquries@dffe.gov.za or any other law enforcement authority.

“I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to every officer and partner involved in these operations. Their hard work and sacrifice are crucial in safeguarding South Africa’s marine biodiversity,” he said.

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Pilanesberg transitioned from a basic, analogue two-way radio system to a state-of-the-art Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) solution by Hytera. Hytera’s partner Altron Nexus (now named Sentiv after a management buyout), donated a Hytera HR106X DMR repeater and Hytera H-series DMR devices equipped with GPS tracking as well as a Hytera Smart Dispatch Plus software platform to Pilanesberg’s Anti-Poaching unit, led by Field Ecologist Steve Dell, Hytera said.

“This represented a significant change because previously the reserve relied on ageing analogue radios that only supported voice communication, with a single repeater resulting in limited coverage across the reserve and no advanced features. Because of the analogue system and single receiver, there were parts of the park that had unreliable, or non-existent, communication. The DMR upgrade introduced a second repeater linked via a microwave connection that has resulted in seamless, reliable, almost park-wide coverage,” Hytera said in a statement.

Hytera’s H-series technology includes smart, automated features designed for fast incident response, including a Man Down Alert that detects if a user has fallen or is motionless, automatically sending an emergency alert and location to the control room. A one-touch panic button alerts with real-time location to ensure immediate support. Live GPS tracking helps teams monitor ranger movements and respond quickly when needed. Digital voice and data technology supports clear, efficient communication, including text messaging and voice recording. Up to 256-bit encryption protects sensitive communications.

Pilanesberg is a 56,000 hectare nature reserve with mountainous areas that previously lacked any signal for communications. This means that rangers in the park conducted 24-hour security operations under harsh conditions without the security of robust communication. This presented a risk, Hytera noted.

Since adopting Hytera’s DMR system, rangers have the security of a robust communication system. Hytera’s DMR system has assisted field ecologists and rhino protection rangers to obtain an advantage over poachers entering the park and destroying wildlife and the country’s natural habitat.

“Reliable communication is the backbone of effective conservation and anti-poaching efforts, whether it’s protecting rhinos, managing fires, supporting technical teams or ensuring the safety of our staff in the field or conducting air operations. Upgrading to a digital radio network has significantly boosted our conservation operations,” said Dell.

“The park is hilly with mountains and valleys, and the digital network has ensured almost-total coverage. Very importantly, it has enabled real-time tracking. Tracking is vital – if someone is out in the field, needs assistance or cannot talk for whatever reason, the control room always has real-time visibility. Anything can happen in very remote areas. If needed, the emergency alerts result in instant support, dispatching help to exactly where the radio is located. Importantly, using the system is simple and uniform. The improved communications have significantly boosted our overall conservation efforts and operations.”

Franco Stronach, Head of Indirect Channel at Hytera South Africa, said “Hytera is empowering conservationists in parks across the country, including Pilanesberg, The Kruger National Park, Timbavati Game Reserve and Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve. It has been important for us to see beyond just the practical utility of the equipment, which in itself is world-leading. For us, the difference being made is Hytera’s embodiment of social responsibility, a business priority to make a meaningful impact in a sector of the country that holds special cultural significance.”

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Investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly defrauded the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) by securing permits under false pretences to buy and sell rhino horns domestically, while funnelling them into illegal international markets.

Under South African law, domestic trade is permitted with a valid DFFE-issued permit in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) of 2004.

International commercial trade in rhino horn is banned under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

“After a seven-year investigation, the Wildlife Trafficking Section of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit has dismantled a major transnational rhino horn trafficking network.

“The six suspects, between the ages of 49 and 84, face charges of fraud, theft, and contravention of the NEMBA, with additional charges of racketeering and money laundering under consideration,” the department said.

The six suspects, five men and one woman, surrendered to the Hawks at Sunnyside Police Station.

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has hailed the arrests as a decisive victory in South Africa’s fight against international wildlife crime.

“This complex investigation, which was also supported by the Enforcement unit of the Department (the Green Scorpions) and the National Prosecuting Authority, is a powerful demonstration of South Africa’s resolve to protect its natural heritage.

“The Hawks’ work shows that our enforcement agencies will not hesitate to pursue those who plunder our wildlife for criminal profit. The illegal trade in rhino horn not only destroys biodiversity but also undermines the rule of law and the foundations of environmental governance,” the Minister said.

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“Starting this year, 90 Rhino Monitors will be trained and deployed annually across Kruger National Park. They are not just protecting rhino. They are protecting livelihoods, family legacies, and the possibility of green jobs for a generation to come,” Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Dr Dion George said on Tuesday.

The Minister made these remarks during the official launch of the Rhino Renaissance Campaign at the Kruger National Park, which is grounded on 24/7 rhino tracking; biological management such as targeted dehorning; DNA tagging and genetic research; enforcement cooperation across provincial, national, and regional levels and, critically, resource mobilisation to sustain operations over the long term.

With South Africa currently hosting the Group Twenty (G20) Presidency, this campaign has been adopted as a G20 Legacy Project to rally global support, both diplomatic and financial, to scale this work.

South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024, which runs to 30 November 2025, under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability”.

“This work does not stand alone. We are fighting wildlife crime on every front. Our National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking is anchored in the Medium-Term Development Plan, the country’s roadmap for the next five years.

“This strategy brings together key government departments – including my department, Police, Justice, Border Management, Intelligence, [the] South African National Parks (SANParks) and the provincial conservation entities – in a united, multidisciplinary response. It also builds strong partnerships with the private sector, civil society, and communities on the ground,” George explained.

Tackling wildlife crimes

Fighting wildlife crime is one of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s six core priorities.

“At its heart is a commitment to a fair and sustainable future – one where our iconic wildlife supports livelihoods, uplifts communities, and strengthens our national identity.

“The Rhino Renaissance Campaign is a vital part of this effort. It supports our vision of a fair industry for lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos — a future where these species are not only protected but thrive alongside the people who live among them.

“No country or sector can tackle this threat alone. South Africa is building strong enforcement networks across borders and finalising agreements with rhino horn destination countries,” the Minister said.

Government is engaging partners such as Interpol, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) neighbours to strengthen intelligence-sharing and cross-border cooperation.

South Africa’s response goes beyond law enforcement. It includes financial intelligence, anti-corruption efforts, and international diplomacy- because wildlife crime is deeply embedded in global criminal networks.

Decline in rhino poaching

As of the end of June, 195 rhinos had been poached across South Africa this year – a reduction of 35 compared to the same period in 2024.

“While any loss is too many, this decrease signals that our intensified enforcement efforts are starting to have an effect. June recorded the lowest monthly poaching figures so far this year, with 22 rhinos killed nationwide. Here in the Kruger, which is still a primary target for poachers, we lost 11 rhinos in both May and June, down from 17 in January and 30 in February.

“These numbers are a stark reminder that the threat remains real and unrelenting. But they also show that progress is possible. Our rangers, enforcement teams, and intelligence units continue to work tirelessly on the front lines to protect our wildlife and hold the line,” the Minister said.

Through rhino dehorning, South Africa removes the reasons rhinos are being killed in the first place.

“Dehorning does not harm the animal. It saves its life. It buys us time – to restore numbers, upgrade security, and disrupt demand,” he explained.

The country is already seeing green shoots which include the relocation of 2 000 rhinos from African Parks to safe havens across the country; Munyawana Conservancy and others are growing populations through rewilding; cross-border work is underway in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and across the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area.

Safe havens have been identified in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana and collaboration between government and private wildlife owners in the Integrated Wildlife Zones has been enhanced.

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“The body of an alleged poacher was found in the Kruger National Park on 12 July 2025 at about 8:30 am and it is suspected that he could have been shot during a shootout with Field Rangers the previous night, 11 July [Thursday] 2025 at around 9pm, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.

The discovery was made after three field rangers who were on patrol on Thursday night, came cross three suspected poachers. The rangers ordered the trio to stop, but the suspected poachers responded by opening fire at the rangers who shot back.

“The alleged poachers are said to have ran further into the dark, and due to poor light, the rangers abandoned their pursuit then returned to the camp.

“The next morning, the rangers returned to the scene to further conduct the search for the alleged poachers whilst patrolling the surrounding areas. It was during this time when they discovered the lifeless body of a male person with gunshot wound at the Lower Sabie region of the park, laying on the ground,” said the police.

A backpack was found next to the body of the deceased.

“The police from Skukuza as well as other role players were immediately notified, and the man was certified dead by the paramedics at the scene. Inside the backpack, two rhino horns were found. An investigation is underway meanwhile the man has not yet been identified,” said the SAPS in a statement on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the other two suspected poachers are still at large.

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The research, co-led by the University of Cape Town (UCT), focused on 11 reserves in South Africa’s Greater Kruger region from 2017 to 2023 – a critical conservation area that is home to approximately 25% of Africa’s remaining rhino population.

The study was the result of a powerful collaboration between reserve managers, represented by the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF), and scientists from UCT’s Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation, Nelson Mandela University, Stellenbosch University and the University of Oxford. Key partners who supported the study include the South African National Parks, the World Wildlife Fund South Africa and the Rhino Recovery Fund.

“We documented the poaching of 1 985 rhinos (about 6.5% of the population annually) across 11 Greater Kruger reserves over seven years. This landscape is a critical global stronghold that conserves around 25% of all Africa’s rhinos,” said Dr Tim Kuiper, lead author, who conducted the work as a postdoctoral researcher at UCT and is now a senior lecturer at Nelson Mandela University.

“Dehorning rhinos to reduce incentives for poaching (2 284 rhinos were dehorned across eight reserves) was found to achieve a 78% reduction in poaching using just 1.2% of the overall rhino protection budget,” added Dr Kuiper 

Using a comparative approach between dehorned and horned rhino populations and tracking changes over time, the study shows that dehorning is a highly cost-effective intervention – though not without challenges. Some poaching for horn stumps and regrowth continued, and evidence from 2024–2025 indicates this remains a growing concern. The potential displacement of poaching to horned populations elsewhere also remains a critical consideration.

Between 2017 and 2021, the reserves invested approximately $74 million (R1 billion) in anti-poaching strategies – including ranger patrols, tracking dogs, helicopters and surveillance technology. Despite this massive investment, the study found no statistically significant evidence that these traditional law enforcement measures alone reduced poaching.

“Finally, ineffective criminal justice systems mean that arrested offenders often escape punishment, with evidence from our study area of multiple repeat offenders,” said Dr Kuiper.

This study stands out not only for its findings but also for its model of science-policy collaboration. The research was sparked by GKEPF reserve managers themselves, who sought to evaluate the effectiveness of their anti-poaching investments.

“The true value of this innovative study, conceived by GKEPF operational managers, lies in its collective critical thinking. Ensuring not only that operations are guided by science, but also that science is grounded in real experience from the frontline,”
said Sharon Hausmann, CEO of GKEPF.

Dr Markus Hofmeyr of the Rhino Recovery Fund said: “From a donor perspective this study has given excellent insight where conservation donor funding can be spent and where to avoid funding.”

“This collaboration is a brilliant example of how the effectiveness of conservation interventions can be assessed quantitatively, even in challenging and complex situations, and how important the participation of on-the-ground practitioners is in initiating, and interpreting, such research,” said Professor Dame E.J. Milner-Gulland of the University of Oxford.

“It’s important to check that our conservation interventions work as intended, and keep working that way. For me, this project has again highlighted the value of collecting detailed data, both on the interventions that were applied and the outcome. It’s such data that makes robust quantitative analyses possible,” said UCT Professor Res Altwegg, who supervised the statistical analysis.

The findings open a timely window for governments, funders, conservation NGOs and the private sector to rethink and recalibrate strategies in addressing wildlife crime, particularly rhino poaching, with a renewed focus on data-driven and cost-effective interventions.

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“The loss of 103 rhinos to poaching in the first three months of 2025 is a stark reminder of the relentless threat to our wildlife. Yet, the absence of poaching in four provinces shows that our targeted interventions are yielding results, and we must build on this progress,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said on Monday.

The latest statistics for the period 1 January to 31 March 2025 are closely aligned with the average monthly poaching rate of 35 rhinos over the previous 12 months (420 rhinos annually).

The Minister said the figures underscore the sustained pressure on the rhino populations and the urgent need for intensified efforts to combat this illegal activity.

The breakdown of poaching incidents by province reveals that South African National Parks (SANParks) recorded the highest number of losses, with 65 rhinos poached.

KwaZulu-Natal reported 16 cases, followed by Limpopo with 10, Free State with five, the North West with four, and Mpumalanga with three. No rhinos were poached in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape, or Gauteng during this period.

To strengthen efforts against wildlife crime, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has taken proactive measures to address factors related to bail applications for perpetrators.

“We are working closely with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure that repeat offenders and those with no fixed address face stronger opposition to bail,” George said.

The department shares best-practice affidavits with investigators to ensure more effective bail opposition and is exploring options to secure funding for dedicated support to SAPS in these applications.

“The South African government remains steadfast in its commitment to combating wildlife crime. We continue to strengthen anti-poaching measures, including enhanced ranger patrols, advanced surveillance technologies, and collaboration with national and international law enforcement agencies.

“We are also working closely with various stakeholders to bolster anti-poaching efforts through the deployment of cutting-edge technologies such as drones and thermal radars. Additionally, we are engaging with communities living near protected areas to foster sustainable livelihoods and reduce the socioeconomic drivers of poaching,” the Minister said.

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