SA Agencies Seize Rhino Horn, Big Cat Bones in Major Wildlife Trafficking Bust

The operation underscores South Africa’s strategic partnerships with domestic and international agencies to dismantle wildlife trafficking syndicates.

South African authorities have announced a major breakthrough in the fight against transnational wildlife trafficking following a coordinated operation that led to the seizure of 17 rhino horns and a significant quantity of lion and tiger bones, believed to be destined for the illegal wildlife market in Southeast Asia.

The successful intervention resulted from a joint effort by the Border Management Authority (BMA), the South African Revenue Service (SARS), and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), supported by several specialised units and private-sector partners.

Intelligence-Driven Operation Intercepts Illegal Wildlife Shipment

The operation, carried out on Monday, was spearheaded by the DPCI Wildlife Trafficking Section, with critical support from:

• SARS Customs

• Tracker Connect

• Gauteng SAPS Tactical Response Team

• Gauteng SAPS Airwing

• Additional law enforcement and intelligence units

Authorities initiated the intervention after identifying a suspicious consignment originally dispatched to Singapore. The package was intercepted abroad and returned to South Africa, triggering a multi-agency investigation.

Investigators traced the consignment to a storage facility in Kempton Park, Gauteng. A search warrant was executed, leading to the discovery of four boxes.

Significant Wildlife Parts Uncovered

Upon examination, officials uncovered:

• 17 rhino horns, weighing 55.4 kilograms

• 26.2 kilograms of lion and tiger bones, including skulls and claws

These items are commonly trafficked to illicit markets where they are used in traditional medicine, luxury ornaments, or illegal trade networks tied to organised crime.

Arrests and Legal Proceedings

Two Nigerian nationals, aged 34 and 35, were arrested at the scene. They face charges under 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 suspects appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on 3 December 2025. Further charges may follow as forensic and valuation processes continue. Authorities have not yet disclosed the estimated market value of the seized items due to ongoing investigations.

Ongoing Investigation and International Cooperation

The multi-agency probe remains active, and authorities have not ruled out further arrests. The operation underscores South Africa’s strategic partnerships with domestic and international agencies to dismantle wildlife trafficking syndicates.

Wildlife crime is often linked to broader organised criminal networks involved in money laundering, drug trafficking and corruption. As such, the operation is expected to contribute valuable intelligence to transnational enforcement efforts.

BMA Commissioner Praises Coordinated Effort

BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato commended all participating agencies for their seamless coordination, calling the operation a testament to South Africa’s determination to protect its endangered species.

“This breakthrough reaffirms our unwavering commitment to combating wildlife trafficking, which threatens South Africa’s natural heritage and fuels organised criminal networks,” he said.

South Africa remains home to the world’s largest rhino population, making it a frequent target of poaching and smuggling syndicates. This latest operation adds momentum to broader national strategies aimed at securing borders, enhancing intelligence capabilities, strengthening legislation and deepening global cooperation to safeguard vulnerable species.