Latest news with #SAPSK9Unit
IOL News
a day ago
- 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
a day ago
- 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.
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- The Citizen
Effingham informal settlement rocked by deadly late-night fire
One person died after a fire destroyed several homes at an informal settlement in Effingham, Durban North, on Sunday evening. Northglen News reports that Ayanda Ziqethu (29) from Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape, was burnt beyond recognition in the blaze at the Sim Place Informal Settlement. Initial estimates suggest that 21 dwellings were destroyed, leaving around 30 people displaced. According to eThekwini Municipality's Fire and Emergency Services, the fire broke out just after 23:00. Firefighters worked through the night to extinguish the blaze. A team from the municipality is providing assistance to displaced residents. KZN Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma offered his condolences to the victim and the families affected by the blaze. He added that he had also been in contact with Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane and eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba. 'Working in an integrated fashion, we offer to do everything possible to ensure that the people of Effingham Informal Settlement rebuild their lives. At this stage, we don't know what caused the fire. We will be getting a report from the eThekwini mayor,' he said. Ziqethu's remains were recovered yesterday and taken to the Phoenix Mortuary. The MEC expressed his appreciation to the SAPS K9 Unit who assisted in the operation. 'We wish to commend the SAPS K9 Unit, as assigned by the provincial [police] commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, for working with our team from Human Settlements and eThekwini Disaster Management Unit to remove, in a dignified way, the remains of the deceased. The next few days are going to be extremely difficult for Ziqethu's family members who are traveling from the Eastern Cape,' he said. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
