The Asset Forfeiture Unit seized assets valued at R55 million from suspected rhino poachers in Polokwane, Limpopo, on Wednesday, police said.
Colonel Vishnu Naidoo said the assets were believed to have been acquired through crime, particularly rhino poaching.
They were seized from Dawie Groenewald, and two veterinary surgeons, Dr Karel Toet and Dr Manie Du Plessis.
In September 2010, the three were officially charged with 1872 counts of racketeering in one of the biggest wildlife crime cases in South Africa.
“While this matter is still pending in court, the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act allow the Asset Forfeiture Unit to seize and preserve the assets of an accused until the case is finalised,” Naidoo said.
On conviction, the seizure was realised and the proceeds were used to combat crime. Naidoo said 99 people had been arrested throughout the country since January for rhino-related matters. – Sapa