The Middelburg K9 Unit spotted a suspect Toyota Quantum on the highway and after bringing the vehicle to a halt, conducted a spot search.

When the engine bonnet was opened, K9 members discovered two large objects wrapped in plastic.
Upon closer inspection, two rhino horns were discovered.

The driver, whose identity is known to Middelburg Observer, but who has not appeared in court, was arrested and booked into custody on charges of possession of rhino horns.

The horns are estimated to be worth R8m on the black market.

On the scene the driver, who alleges he is from Mbombela, told officers that the horns were poached in the Kruger National Park two days ago.

KNP communications manager Reynold Thakhuli told Middelburg Observer that the park has not been notified of either the arrest or the allegations made by the suspect.

He says the park is not aware of any poaching incident the past two days, but that an investigation will be launched.

The park is part of the specialised anti rhino poaching joint-ops, which include specialist prosecutors.

The 42-year-old suspect is expected to appear in court before Friday.

DNA testing will be done on the horns in order to trace their origin, while it is believed highly organised poaching and smuggling syndicates are involved.