The suspects, aged 34 and 35, were apprehended following the seizure of 17 rhino horns and 26.2 kilograms of lion and tiger bones, skulls, and claws at a storage facility in Kempton Park, Gauteng.
Authorities say the bust marks a major breakthrough in the fight against wildlife trafficking, particularly exports destined for the South East Asian illegal market.
According to South African security agencies, the successful interception was the result of a coordinated transnational operation involving the Border Management Authority (BMA), the South African Revenue Service (SARS), and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), supported by several other specialised units.
The investigation began when a suspicious shipment sent to Singapore was flagged and returned to South Africa. After tracking the consignment to a Kempton Park storage facility, a multi-agency task team conducted a raid on December 1, 2025.
Inside four boxes linked to the shipment, officials discovered:
17 rhino horns weighing 55.4 kg
26.2 kg of lion and tiger bones, skulls, and claws
Authorities say the items are connected to a wider international wildlife trafficking syndicate. The value of the confiscated products is still being assessed as forensic examinations continue.
The two Nigerian suspects were arrested at the scene and charged with violating Section 57(1) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004), which prohibits restricted activities involving threatened or protected species.
They appeared before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on December 3.
Dr. Michael Masiapato, Commissioner of the Border Management Authority, praised the seamless collaboration between units and reaffirmed South Africa’s dedication to combating wildlife crimes.
He noted that the operation highlights the importance of intelligence-sharing, inter-agency cooperation, and decisive enforcement action against syndicates targeting endangered species.
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