Suspect in rhino horn case appears in court
Two isolated tip-offs led to two arrests and the recovery of a rhino horn and dagga bust, both valued at over R1 million rand on Friday morning. Both suspects were caught travelling on N3 Church Street off-ramp.
Wayne van Staden, the 30-yearold suspect who was arrested after being found in the possession of a rhino horn, appeared at the Pieteremaritzburg Magistrate court on Monday.
Pietermaritzburg police intercepted and arrested van Staden for allegedly transporting a rhino horn worth R1.2 million last Friday morning.
A police source working close to the investigation said they received information about the criminal trade of rhino horn.
“At around 6:50 am information was received regarding a black Z4 BMW on the N3 South bound Church Street off-ramp. With the assistance of the flying unit and K9 Dog unit we tracked down the suspected vehicle.
“Members of the Hawks confirmed that the estimated value of the seized rhino horn is R 1.2 million. The vehicle with a Durban registration was also seized,” said the source.
Van Staden is set to reappear at court for formal bail application next week.
Another big haul was made on Friday morning after police intercepted a vehicle carrying over R1 million worth of dagga.
The police were informed about a white VW Crafter Panel Van travelling on the Church Street off-ramp N3 Durban bound, suspected of carrying drugs.
The flying squad, assisted by the K9 Dog Unit responded and intercepted the vehicle. On questioning, the driver told the police the cargo was animal feed.
“Upon further investigation we found twenty-five 40kg bags of dagga valued at just over million rand,” said a source close to the matter.
The suspect was arrested and charged with the dealing and possession of cannabis (dagga).