On Tuesday 16 November 2021, the Hawks members from Port Shepstone Serious Organised Crime Investigation assisted by Crime Intelligence arrested two suspects aged 27 and 57 for possession and dealing in elephant tusks.
It is alleged that members received information about suspects who were selling elephant tusks. An undercover operation was conducted at Zimbali Eco Estate and members swooped in on the suspects’ residence. Upon searching the premises, members found 1.3 kilograms of ivory pieces, 14 warthog teeth, 19 pieces of sperm whale teeth, four ivory carvings, two hippo teeth, 47 ivory chopsticks, and 15 elephant tusks with a street value of approximately R400 000.
The two suspects were then placed under arrest and charged accordingly. They are expected to appear in the Kwadukuza Magistrates’ Court today.