Cape rhino horn trial on hold

2010-11-23 19:22

Johannesburg - The trial of two men found with rhino horns amounting to about R2.6m was postponed in the Beaufort West Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, Western Cape police said.
The men were asked not to plead and would appear in court again on December 7, Captain Malcom Pojie said.

They were arrested in the early hours of Monday morning for illegal possession of rhino horns, following a routine road block near Beaufort West.

"During the subsequent search members found fifteen rhino horns between the luggage of the two suspects. The horns were sealed in wrapped plastic and concealed in the luggage," Pojie said.

The horns weighed about 38kg and were valued around R2.6m, he said.

One of the men fled the scene as the other was being arrested but police found him at a guest house and arrested him as well.

It was alleged that the illegal shipment of rhino horn was destined for Cape Town as the men were travelling by public transport from Johannesburg.

Police were investigating the possibility that they were linked to a syndicate.

They would remain in custody until their next appearance.

- SAPA