Photo: SAPS / Supplied
Photo: SAPS / Supplied
Police arrested a 53-year-old man after he was found in possession of two elephant tusks in Alberton on Monday, in a coordinated ivory bust. The suspect is set for a showdown in court later this week, but SAPS are adamant they have an open and shut case on this occasion…
Man arrested for possession of elephant tusks
Information was conveyed to a team comprising of Johannesburg Flying Squad, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, and Fidelity Specialised Services. The cooperative strategy paid off, as police were able to intercept a vehicle being used by the suspect – sure enough, they went on to find the tusks in the back of the car.
SAPS have since released a statement on the matter, revealing that the man has been charged with ‘the possession of ivory’. No value has been placed on the elephant tusks yet, but they can go for hundreds of thousands of rand on the black market. Hawks are also on the lookout for ‘other suspects’ involved in this illegal racket.
SAPS statement on Alberton bust:
“Crime Intelligence members received information about a person that will be transporting elephant tusks. Specialised Services then intercepted the suspect at Heidelberg Road in Alberton. Upon searching the suspect and vehicle, the team found two elephant tusks and the suspect was arrested.”
“The suspect was charged with possession of ivory and is expected to appear at Palmridge Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday 5 May. The monetary value of the ivory is yet to be determined. The Hawks will investigate further to establish the origin of the recovered ivory and whether there are other suspects involved.” | SAPS statement
#sapsGP #SAPS arrested a 53yr-old man after he was found in possession of two elephant tusks in Alberton on 03/05. The suspect was charged with possession of ivory and is expected to appear at Palmridge Magistrate's Court on 05/05. #EnviroCrimes MEhttps://t.co/2BNyQ6Jlyz pic.twitter.com/KQaHhWVRT9
— SA Police Service ???????? (@SAPoliceService) May 4, 2021
