Image related to website content

Three Arrested for Illegal Rhino Horn Trade

9 Jul 2025

On Wednesday, 2 July 2025, the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (Hawks) assisted by SAPS K9 Unit, Overberg and Stock Theft and Endangered Species based in Swellendam, executed an undercover operation at Buffeljags River, N2 route outside of Swellendam.

Three suspects were arrested after being found in possession of the rhino horn and engaged in a transaction to sell the rhino horn during an undercover operation. CapeNature officials were contacted to assist in the further investigation of the case, which was subsequently registered at the Swellendam Police Station.

Three rhino horns to the value of R258 270 were recovered. Charges are linked to alleged contraventions under the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974, relating to possession and sale, without a permit.

The suspects, all from Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, appeared in the Swellendam magistrates court on Friday, 4 July 2025. The case against Shaun Barties (41), Christopher Farret (35) and Cheslyn Whitebooi (45) was postponed to 11 July 2025 for bail application. All three were remanded into custody.

The illegal trade in rhino horn remains one of the most pervasive forms of biodiversity crime. CapeNature commends the swift and co-ordinated action of the Hawks and SAPS and is committed to supporting law enforcement efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.

Dr Ashley Naidoo, CapeNature CEO

Additional rhino poaching related information and statistics can be found here: https://helpingrhinos.org/rhin...

Share:

Related News

Vrolijikheid Nature Reserve
2 Oct 2025
The Vrolijkheid Nursery Project is Growing Conservation Through Community

The nursery project at Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve has officially entered its early stages of becoming operational, marking an exciting step towards a collaborative conservation and community initiative. 

EPWP worker at Cape Nature
1 Oct 2025
Empowering Communities: How EPWP Transforms Lives Through Skills Development

A well-earned promotion to the permanent position of Maintenance Assistant at Goukamma Nature Reserve was granted to Mr. Graeme Highburg, an EPWP employee at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve.

Bird Island Nature Reserve in Lamberts Bay
26 Sep 2025
Bird Island gets a fresh look with enhanced interpretive signage

Bird Island Nature Reserve has undergone a transformation just in time for World Tourism Day, with the unveiling of brand-new interpretive signage designed to elevate the visitor experience and public understanding of the Island’s unique biodiversity.

Southern Right Whale mother and calf
25 Sep 2025 by The University of Pretoria | Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit
2025 Annual Southern Right Whale Aerial Survey

On the 29th of September 2025, the Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit of the University of Pretoria will be commencing its 56th annual aerial survey of southern right whales to monitor the health of the population.

Dont Be Trashy campaign fights waste on land and sea in Western Cape Blog Image
4 Sep 2025
Don’t Be Trashy campaign fights waste on land and sea in Western Cape

CapeNature, in partnership with Soapbox and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP), is working on the “Don’t Be Trashy” Drive to address the growing threat of waste to ecosystems across the province.

CN Access Week Mobile Blog Post
1 Sep 2025
Celebrate the 11th annual Access Week and grab your chance to experience nature for free!

Rediscover the beauty of the Western Cape’s protected areas during the 11th annual Access Week, taking place from 20 to 26 September 2025. CapeNature is celebrating over a decade of breaking down barriers to the Western Cape’s natural spaces, with free day visitor entry to selected reserves across the province.