The arrest of the 12 suspects allegedly involved in rhino poaching activities was the result of a two-year investigation.
The NEWS reported last week that rhino horns were found during a bust at Greenstone Ridge on November 24.
According to a statement issued by the SAPS, three police officers were among those arrested.
The suspects were arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, in a multi-disciplinary and intelligence-led operation in two provinces.
One of the suspect was nabbed in Bedfordview and a luxury car was also confiscated.
A statement issued by the SAPS stated that Operation Ringleader was conducted in conjunction with crime intelligence, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The suspects, arrested in Gauteng and North West, appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court last Thursday on charges of money laundering and racketeering, as contained in the POCA Act. The suspects also appeared on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunition and corruption.
According to the SAPS, the high-flying group has been the subject of an investigation since 2013 and is alleged to have contributed to the illegal poaching of rhinos and illicit dealing of rhino horns in Klerksdorp, Rustenburg, Pretoria and Johannesburg.
During the operation, 13 illegal firearms, which included eight rifles and five pistols, three small scales, one electrical hacksaw, four rhino horns, chopped rhino horns, R1,1-million in cash and eight luxury vehicles, were found and confiscated. The seized items, including the money, is estimated at R6-million.
The National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Mthandazo Ntlemeza, commended the multi-disciplinary team for its work in securing the arrest of the alleged rhino poaching syndicate ringleaders and police members.
“We are pleased with the arrest and resultant confiscations. This successful operation yet again illustrates the good working relationship we have with our stakeholders. This operation is continuing until all syndicates are wiped out,” he said.
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