Farm manager bust with rhino horns

2012-01-27 07:51

Polokwane - A farm manager arrested for alleged possession of rhino horns, elephant tusks and illegal firearms has appeared in the Naboomspruit Magistrate's Court, Limpopo police said on Friday.

Jan Louis Lessing, 58, was granted R3 000 bail on Thursday, said Colonel Ronel Otto.

Lessing's case was postponed until March 29 for further investigation.

He was arrested on Thursday after he was allegedly found with three rhino horns, four elephant tusks and illegal firearms.

Lessing told police he had found the horns and tusks in a safe on the estate a long time ago.

He allegedly failed to provide permits that allowed him to possess the items and he had not applied for the necessary permits either.

Police would conduct DNA tests to determine the origins of the rhino horns and tusks.

Ballistic tests were also being done on the illegal firearms.

- SAPA