Customs officers from the South African Revenue Service (SARS), in collaboration with other government departments, intercepted a luggage of a female South African passenger on April 29, at OR Tambo International Airport, containing 12 pieces of rhino horn weighing 30.7kg.

According to SARS commissioner Edward Kiewetter, the interception of the rhino horn came after SARS Customs and other government officials received a tip-off regarding a passenger travelling to Dubai.

“The SARS team reacted swiftly and accompanied the female passenger to the Customs’ area for further inspection. The two luggage bags and a box were inspected by a baggage scanner that identified irregular images suspected to be rhino horn.

“This led to a physical inspection of the luggage and box in which the pieces of rhino horn were found.

“The passenger, together with the rhino horn, were handed to the SAPS after which a criminal case was opened,” said Kiewetter.

Kiewetter commended the Customs officers and their counterparts from the SAPS for working diligently to curb the smuggling of rhino horn and many related crimes.

“We will leave no stone unturned to detect and prosecute these criminal syndicates and individuals who break the law. SARS and the law enforcement agencies will spare no effort to ensure they are brought to book,” said Kiewetter.

Between July 2020 and December 2021, 125 pieces of rhino horn, weighing 452kg, were seized at OR Tambo International Airport. * December 2021: Six pieces of rhino horn, weighing 4kg, were declared as personal effects, bound for China. * December 2021: Five pieces of rhino horn, weighing 10kg, were declared as scanners, bound for Malaysia. * July 2021: A total of 32 pieces of rhino horn, weighing 160kg, were declared as live plants, bound for Malaysia. * February 2021: A total 18 pieces of rhino horn, weighing 63kg, were declared as HP cartridges, bound for Malaysia. * December 2020: A total 17 pieces of rhino horn, weighing 72.4kg, were concealed in a geyser bound for Malaysia. * September 2020: A total of six pieces, weighing 4.9kg, were declared as coffee beans, bound for Malaysia. * July 2020: A total 41 pieces, weighing 137kg, were declared as fine arts, bound for Malaysia via Doha.

Also Read: Suspect arrested for possession of two rhino horns

Also Read: Former Benonian is dedicated to catching rhino poachers

We use cookies to help improve your experience and to show you relevant advertising. To learn more about cookies, please read our Privacy Policy. OK