Vietnamese man appears in court on wildlife trafficking charge
A 52-year-old Vietnamese man has appeared in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court in Cape Town in connection with alleged wildlife trafficking.
He was arrested at Cape Town International Airport before he could flee the country.
The Hawks say the suspect’s passport was flagged, after a warrant of arrest was issued by the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng.
He was intercepted at the airport before he could board a flight to Singapore earlier this week.
Hawks spokesperson, Katlego Mogale, says he faces charges for his alleged involvement in the illegal possession of rhino horns and predator bones.
Two Nigerian nationals have already been arrested. The accused are due to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s court early next month.
#sapsHAWKS #Wanted suspect arrested in Cape Town for wildlife trafficking. A 52yr-old suspect was arrested on 24/02, following a #TipOff which resulted in the execution of an authorised warrant of arrest.
The suspect has been linked to Kempton Park case of possession of rhino… pic.twitter.com/5XOc0OmIdj
— SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) February 25, 2026