Cop, court interpreter granted bail in rhino horn case
The two allegedly dropped off a consignment in a warehouse in Kempton Park, which was declared as wine.
A police officer and a court interpreter have been released on bail after appearing in the Palm Ridge Magistrates' Court on Friday on charges related to the smuggling of rhino horn.
They were arrested on Thursday for attempting to smuggle the horns to Malaysia.
Warrant Officer Stephanus Peter Peters (53) was granted R 5000 bail and his alleged accomplice, interpreter Lina Zhang (39), bail of R20 000.
The two allegedly dropped off a consignment in a warehouse in Kempton Park, which was declared as wine.
Gauteng Hawks spokesperson Ndivhuho Mulamu said more arrests cannot be ruled out.
“Hawks’ investigation team on endangered species were alerted about the suspicious wine consignment. Upon arrival at the warehouse, authorities searched the wooden crate containing wine and found 30 rhino horns wrapped in plastic concealed under the crate.
“An intelligence operation was conducted simultaneously in Brakpan and Basonia yesterday where both suspects were successfully arrested, both accused face charges of illegal dealing in rhino horns and contravention of the Customs and Excise Act.”
The case has been postponed to 10 November.
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