The arrests were made by the Hawks supported by Counter Intelligence‚ Special Task Force‚ the police’s Forensic Science Service‚ SANParks‚ the Department of Environmental Affairs‚ Sars and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The suspects face charges of theft‚ corruption‚ money laundering‚ conspiracy to commit a crime‚ and the illegal buying and selling of rhino horns. Internal disciplinary processes are underway for the arrested police officers.
This follows the investigation dubbed “Project Broadbill” by the Hawk’s Wildlife Trafficking Section‚ which began in January last year.
The syndicate members allegedly ran poaching groups with the support of corrupt police officials as well as authorities from the private game farms.
Mulaudzi said the areas in control of the alleged syndicate included traditional trust areas such as Cork‚ Belfast‚ Mkhuhlu‚ Calcutta and Shabalala Trust around the Hazyview and Mbombela magisterial districts in Mpumalanga.
He said their operations were well-planned and allegedly achieved with paramilitary discipline and counter-intelligence actions to prevent any exposure.
“The logistical‚ transport and communication support of the criminal group was also well managed and controlled and allegedly succeeded to move rhino horns from the protected areas to places where the transactions will take place. The illegal transactions were also protected by alleged corrupt officials to ensure no detection from law enforcement.”