Latest news with #ChristopherFarret
IOL News
08-07-2025
- IOL News
Hawks and SAPS K9 Unit thwart rhino horn trafficking in Swellendam
In a significant bust against wildlife crime, the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (Hawks), alongside the SAPS K9 Unit, Overberg, and Stock Theft and Endangered Species officials, executed an undercover operation on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, at Buffeljags River, located on the N2 route outside Swellendam. This operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects, who were found in possession of a substantial quantity of rhino horn, engaging in a transaction to sell the illicit product. During the operation, law enforcement recovered three rhino horns valued at R258,270, wrapping up a meticulous investigation that underscores South Africa's ongoing battle against the illicit wildlife trade. The suspects, all originating from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, have been charged with alleged contraventions under the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974, specifically relating to possession and sale of wildlife products without the necessary permits. The case against the accused — Shaun Barties (41), Christopher Farret (35), and Cheslyn Whitebooi (45) — was brought before the Swellendam Magistrates Court on Friday, 4 July 2025, where it was postponed until 11 July for bail application, with all three suspects remanded into custody.
IOL News
08-07-2025
- IOL News
Hawks and SAPS K9 Unit thwart rhino horn trafficking in Swellendam
In a significant bust against wildlife crime, the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (Hawks), alongside the SAPS K9 Unit, Overberg, and Stock Theft and Endangered Species officials, executed an undercover operation on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, at Buffeljags River, located on the N2 route outside Swellendam. This operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects, who were found in possession of a substantial quantity of rhino horn, engaging in a transaction to sell the illicit product. During the operation, law enforcement recovered three rhino horns valued at R258,270, wrapping up a meticulous investigation that underscores South Africa's ongoing battle against the illicit wildlife trade. The suspects, all originating from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, have been charged with alleged contraventions under the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974, specifically relating to possession and sale of wildlife products without the necessary permits. The case against the accused — Shaun Barties (41), Christopher Farret (35), and Cheslyn Whitebooi (45) — was brought before the Swellendam Magistrates Court on Friday, 4 July 2025, where it was postponed until 11 July for bail application, with all three suspects remanded into custody.
Eyewitness News
05-07-2025
- Eyewitness News
Three suspects accused of illegally selling rhino horns to appear in court
CAPE TOWN - Three suspects accused of illegally selling rhino horns in Swellendam in the Western Cape are set to make their next court appearance on the 11th of July. The trio made their first court appearance on Friday after being arrested last week Wednesday. They were found in possession of rhinoceros horns worth more than R250,000. Hawks' spokesperson, Siyabulela Vukubi, said: "The three accused, Christopher Farret (35), Shaun Barties (41) and Cheslyn Whitebooi (45) appeared in the Swellendam Magistrates Court, and their matter was postponed to 11 July 2025 for bail information and formal bail application. All three accused were remanded in custody."
