This comes after Riaan Malgas (31), Mothusi Tshibithi (36), and Albert Mosimanyane (53) briefly appeared in the Kuruman Magistrate’s Court yesterday following their arrest last week.

Provincial Hawks spokesperson, Philani Nkwalase, says after receiving a tip-off the suspects were found in possession of two elephant tusks at the airport on Friday.

Nkwalase did not provide more details about the arrest and where the tusks were hidden due to the sensitivity of the case.

Malgas and Tshibithi were released on R5000 bail each during their brief court appearance yesterday. Mosimanyane also appeared in court with them but his bail application was, however, postponed because he was previously arrested in connection with a separate incident involving the possession of ivory.

Mosimanyane and three other people were arrested earlier after eight elephant tusks were found in their possession. He is currently out on bail following his arrest on the N14 between Upington and Olifantshoek in the province on October 17 this year. Relating to this incident, Mosimanyane and his co-accused are expected to appear in the Olifantshoek Magistrate's Court this coming Thursday.

He will be back in court the following day when he, Malgas and Tshibithi are expected to appear in the Kuruman Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

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