Hawks oppose bail for wildlife traffickers after Randburg bust

Suspected wildlife traffickers were traced and arrested in Randburg at the weekend in a co-ordinated multi-unit operation, the directorate of priority crimes investigation (Hawks) said on Monday.

Three males aged between 35 and 32 were arrested in a three-day operation involving officials from the Hawks' serious organised investigation team, the police's special task force, SANParks and Tracker.

The men are scheduled to appear in the Randburg Magistrate's Court on Monday for dealing in rhino horns as well contravention of endangered-species regulations.

Brig Hangwani Mulaudzi said during the arrest the team seized five rhino horns, 14 pieces of abalone, three seahorses and two sea cucumbers. Vehicles and weighing and processing equipment were also seized.

"The Hawks and their integrated partners remain committed in the fight against wildlife trafficking in South Africa and beyond," said Mulaudzi. "Bail will be opposed."