Government Stored Rhino Horns Stolen

[Richprins]

More than 50 rhino horns stolen from North West Parks Board vault
27 June 2023 - 13:49
Phathu Luvhengo Journalist

About 51 rhino horns were reported stolen from the North West Parks Board's main vault in Mahikeng on Monday.

Provincial police spokesperson Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said a business burglary case had been opened.

“It is being investigated by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation [Hawks],” Mokgwabone said.

Hawks spokesperson in the province, Lt-Col Tinyiko Mathebula, confirmed the unit had taken on the case.



DA MP Dave Bryant said it is alleged alarms were disabled and security cameras removed, allowing the thieves to execute their crime unhindered.

He said it was hard to believe the operation could have been conducted without sophisticated knowledge and involvement of insiders, and called for immediate polygraph testing of staff.

“It is now essential that all efforts are made to intercept the stolen horn before it leaves SA shores and catch those responsible.”

Bryant said of the horns stolen, 14 were large specimens, while the remaining horns were obtained during dehorning operations.


He urged environment minister Barbara Creecy to take immediate action to address the security breach and ensure the safety of South Africa's valuable rhino horn stockpiles.

“We call upon the minister to provide transparency on the incident, including a comprehensive account of the steps being taken to recover the stolen horns and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

TimesLIVE

https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/sout ... ard-vault/

[Peter Betts]

INSIDE JOB DELUXE

[Lisbeth]

No doubt about that and with an organization behind, which can get the horns out of the country.

[Richprins]

Second suspect nabbed over 51 rhino horns stolen at North West Parks Board

Published 14h ago


A second man has been arrested in connection with the theft of 51 rhino horns from the North West Parks Board.

The suspect appeared in the Molopo Magistrate's Court in Mmabatho.

Police said Lindani Mthombeni, 32, was arrested in Brits on Wednesday.

"The accused is linked to the alleged theft of 51 rhino horns at the North West Parks Board two weeks ago," said Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula.

He said the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, assisted by the Rustenburg Public Order Policing, Tactical Operations Management Section, Tracker Connect, and Insurance Crime Bureau, arrested Mthombeni in Brits, following information that he was allegedly spotted in Brits driving in a Range Rover Evoque, suspected to have been used in the commission of the crime.
More on this


"He was traced to Brits where he was arrested and charged with business burglary.

"Mthombeni along with Elias Manganda, who was arrested last week for alleged theft of rhino horns, appeared in court on Friday and their matter was postponed to 13 July 2023 for bail application. The duo was remanded in custody," Mathebula said.

IOL

https://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-and-co ... 46vnby5i4E

[Lisbeth]

[Richprins]

Man accused of stealing rhino horns to appear in court


09 May 2024 - 08:32
Jeanette Chabalala Senior Reporter
A 48-year-old man is expected to appear in the Mmabatho magistrate's court on Thursday for his alleged involvement in the theft of 51 rhino horns.


An employee at the North West Parks and Tourism Board is expected to appear in the Mmabatho magistrate's court on Thursday for his alleged involvement in the theft of 51 rhino horns.

The man, aged 48, was arrested by the Hawks on Wednesday at his workplace following an investigation that linked him to a business burglary at North West Parks and Tourism Board in Mahikeng on June 26 2023, where rhino horns were allegedly stolen.

The horns were reportedly stolen from the main vault.

North West Hawks spokesperson Lt-Col Tinyiko Mathebula said the man is facing charges of business burglary. His accomplices, Elias Mangande and Lefa Mankgaba, were arrested in July last year. Mankgaba is out on bail, while Mangande is still in custody.

Last year, DA MP Dave Bryant said it was alleged that alarms were disabled, and security cameras removed, allowing the thieves to execute their crime unhindered.

According to Sowetan's sister publication TimesLIVE, Bryant said at the time that it was hard to believe the operation could have been conducted without sophisticated knowledge and involvement of insiders.

"It is now essential that all efforts are made to intercept the stolen horn before it leaves SA shores and catch those responsible."

Bryant said of the horns stolen, 14 were large specimens, while the remaining horns were obtained during dehorning operations.

chabalalaj@sowetan.co.za

https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/sout ... e_vignette

[Lisbeth]

"It is now essential that all efforts are made to intercept the stolen horn before it leaves SA shores and catch those responsible."

(Horns, not horn)

I presume that Bryant said the above a year ago because now it's a little late