Two Arrested after Claiming Lost Property Containing Rhino Horn and Ivory
WESTERN CAPE – A pair of alleged criminals involved in wildlife poaching were caught in Houtbay, South Africa, after being naive enough to try to claim back a bag filled with processed rhino horn and ivory which they’d inadvertently left at a restaurant! The two Chinese Nationals are expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrate‘s Court on […]
WESTERN CAPE – A pair of alleged criminals involved in wildlife poaching were caught in Houtbay, South Africa, after being naive enough to try to claim back a bag filled with processed rhino horn and ivory which they’d inadvertently left at a restaurant!
The two Chinese Nationals are expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrate‘s Court on Wednesday following their arrest by the Hawks’ Organized Crime Endangered Species Unit on Monday.
According to the South African Police Services (SAPS), the pair allegedly forgot a backpack containing the pieces of horn and ivory at a Houtbay restaurant on Sunday night – whilst wining and dining – only to show-up on Monday afternoon to claim it!
SAPS says: “The seemingly oblivious duo, were then directed to the nearby police station where the parcel was said to be handed in for safe keeping. The loot is valued at just over R60,000.
“Upon their arrival, members of the elite unit were activated culminating in the arrest of the two on the spot. They have been charged with unlawful possession of Rhino horn and Ivory in contraventions of section 41 (a) and (b) of the Ordinance of Cape Nature Act no: 19 of 1974.”
Source: SAPS