SA woman arrested following an attempt to smuggle 12 pieces of rhino horn out of the country

The South Africa Revenue Service says a South African woman has been arrested at the O.R Tambo International Airport while trying to leave the country for Dubai with 12 rhino concealed in her luggage.

The woman was arrested following a tip-off to customs officials.

The woman’s two luggage bags and a box were inspected, and 12 pieces of rhino horn were found. She has since been arrested.

Sars says they’ve made great strides in preventing the smuggling of rhino horns recently.

Between July 2020 and December 2021, about 125 rhino horns were seized at OR Tambo International Airport.

Sars Commissioner Edward Kieswetter says Sars and the law enforcement agencies will spare no efforts in detecting and prosecuting criminal syndicates and individuals who break the law.