By Sydney Masinga & Mandla Khoza
Mbombela - The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has launched an investigation into the theft of more than 100 rhino horns that were stolen from a secure safe at the agency's premises over the Easter weekend.
Agency spokesperson Kholofelo Nkambule said in a statement that the Sunday break-in was discovered by security personnel on site at around 5:30pm on Monday.
"The CEO of Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, Mr Jacques Modipane, has conveyed his fury and disappointment over the burglary at the MTPA offices, which saw a total 112 pieces of rhino horns, with a total weight of 80 135kg, being stolen from a secure safe," she said on Tuesday evening.
"We are working closely with the South African Police Service on the matter to ensure that arrests are made. We will continue to look at all possible leads, both internally and externally, to ensure that the criminals are apprehended."
Nkambule said the pieces were confiscated from poaching incidents in the province.
"The pieces taken were kept in our storage for purposes of registering them, record keeping and later move them to another secure location where a bulk of stock is kept.
"Some of the pieces of rhino horns on the MTPA premises were micro-chipped, DNA-sampled and photographed according to the National Norms and Standards dated 10 April 2012 No 53248, while others were still being processed," she said.
Nkambule said a full investigation has commenced.
“During the burglary, access was gained through an office window. A strong room was cut open in this office, the office door was broken and access was gained to the main strong room where the pieces were kept.
"The MTPA perimeter is well-secured with controlled access and 24-hour security personnel are on guard with regular patrol intervals of the premises."
Hawks spokesperson Captain Paul Ramoloko confirmed that the crime scene forensic investigation relating to the theft has been concluded.
He also confirmed that they suspect a syndicate was involved in the theft, which took place at an undisclosed MTPA safe house.
"We are currently looking for possible leads, which they will not talk about at the moment. The case we are investigating is housebreaking and theft. However, this is not a normal housebreaking and theft because millions are involved.
"We believe this is a syndicate, which we are going to pounce on soon. We have already completed the crime scene forensic investigations," said Ramoloko.
Meanwhile, Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe has welcomed the investigation into the theft of the horns.
"We are calling for a speedy probe into the matter. I also welcome the handing over of the case to the Hawks and believe it will be dealt with swiftly and arrests and prosecution will help curb the ever rising rhino horn cases in the country, specifically Mpumalanga," said Shongwe.
“We need to intensify our efforts as members of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster and ensure that those who are involved in poaching rhinos are urgently brought to book so that we intensify the war against the scourge.”
Shongwe also called for community members to play a role in anti-poaching efforts.
"Community members are requested to assist government by coming forward with information that will lead to the arrest and successful conviction of those involved in the theft," said Shongwe. – SAnews.gov.za
