Two men arrested after police recover rhino horns, hunting rifles and ammunition on N12 in Mpumalanga
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Members of the Middelburg Flying Squad arrested two suspects late on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, after discovering two rhino horns, two hunting rifles and ammunition inside a vehicle on the N12 between Ogies and Kendal in Mpumalanga.
The officers were on patrol at approximately 23:45 when they spotted a silver Toyota Etios with Mpumalanga registration plates. Police stopped the vehicle, which had two occupants, and conducted a search of the men and the car.
Inside the vehicle, officers found a black jacket covering two rhino horns and two hunting rifles. Rounds of ammunition were also recovered from the car.
The two suspects were arrested at the scene. They face charges of possession of rhino horns as well as possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Police said the men are expected to appear in the Witbank Magistrates’ Court.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the suspects are aged 45 and 49 and are both South African. The investigation into the matter continues, including any possible links to rhino poaching. The value of the recovered horns has not yet been determined.
One local report indicated that the occupants told police they were travelling from Mbombela to Johannesburg. The recovery occurred in the vicinity of the Phola/Ogies area along the N12.
No further details about the origin of the horns or the firearms have been released by police at this stage.
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