Man arrested for alleged possession of lion bones at OR Tambo International Airport

GAUTENG – A 34-year-old man is expected to appear at the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Thursday for illegal possession of lion bones.

Members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime unit, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) SWAT unit and Crime Intelligence intercepted a suspicious consignment on Tuesday. The resultant search of the cargo led to the recovery of twelve boxes filled with what was later established to be lion bones reportedly destined for Malaysia.

The suspect was immediately apprehended and has been charged for contravening the National Environment Management-Biodiversity (NEMBA) Act.