CAPE TOWN: Customs officials confiscated two rhino horns worth R3-million at the Oliver Tambo International Airport last week.
The horns weighed approximately 10,5 kg and are valued at more than R3-million. Rhinoceros are a Cites-protected species.
Customs officials found the horn in a shipment of taxidermy that had been profiled for examination at a well-known cargo forwarding company. The company was unable to provide the required export documentation upon request.
The forwarding company subsequently contacted and requested the required export documentation from the owner of the shipment, but no response was received within 24 hours.
Because no documents were made available, the destiny of the horn could not be established.
In terms of procedure, the horns were handed over to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) for further investigation.
