SOUTH AFRICA
INVESTIGATIVE LIASON
In 2021, Focused Conservation played a significant role in supporting an Investigative Liaison who collaborated with key partners in South Africa to address wildlife trafficking issues.
This collaboration involved working closely with the South Africa Police Service and their HAWKS Unit (Hawks Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation), South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, and several other relevant organizations.
The presence of the Investigative Liaison, supported by Focused Conservation, has resulted in tangible outcomes. Together, they have contributed to nearly 40 law enforcement operations aimed at combating wildlife trafficking in South Africa. These operations have led to over 100 arrests, demonstrating the effectiveness of their joint efforts in disrupting wildlife crime networks and apprehending offenders.
During these operations, a wide range of protected species and wildlife products were seized. The items confiscated included abalone (a type of marine snail highly valued in illegal trade), lemurs (endangered primates), cycads (rare and threatened plant species), and elephant ivory (derived from poached elephants). The diversity of the seized items reflects the broad scope of wildlife trafficking challenges in South Africa and the commitment of Focused Conservation and its partners to addressing them comprehensively.
By collaborating with the South African law enforcement agencies, national parks, and other stakeholders, Focused Conservation and the Investigative Liaison have made significant contributions to wildlife protection efforts in South Africa. Their work helps disrupt illegal wildlife trade networks, protect endangered species, and bring perpetrators to justice.
Latest News
Major Wildlife Trafficking Suspect Arrested in SOUTH AFRICA Operation
In a critical breakthrough for wildlife conservation, Joseph “Big Joe” Nyalunga—a notorious figure long associated with wildlife trafficking—was arrested on October 15, 2024, during Operation
Operation Silent Predator: Joint Investigation Leads to Seizure of Hunting Rifle in Poaching Plot
In a decisive move against wildlife poaching, Operation Silent Predator, an investigation initiated by Focused Conservation’s In-Field Advisor in South Africa, has yielded significant results.
Operation Shaneta: Four Wildlife Traffickers Arrested in South Africa for Attempting to Sell Live Pangolin
On August 3, 2024 near Bronkhorstspruit, South Africa, a wildlife trafficking operation, dubbed Operation Shaneta, led to the arrest of four individuals attempting to sell
Operation Alpha: SAPS-HAWKS Seize Illegal Firearms and Ammunition Following Focused Conservation Intelligence
The South Africa Police Service (SAPS) – HAWKS unit successfully executed Operation Alpha in Nelspruit, following critical intelligence provided by the South Africa Investigative Liaison
Operation Andover: Critical Intelligence Leads to Seizure of Illegal Hunting Equipment in South Africa
On July 30, 2024, a significant operation, dubbed Operation Andover, was launched in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, following critical intelligence provided by the South African
Operation Steamer Trunk- Saving pangolins in South Africa
On June 28, 2024, an extraordinary collaboration between Pretoria K9, Bronkhorstspruit K9, Bronkhorstspruit Detectives, and the Tswane Metro Police Department (Drug and Bylaws Enforcement), alongside
Successful Operation Silver Lakes: Focused Conservation’s Efforts Combat Wildlife Trafficking in South Africa
In a significant law enforcement operation dubbed Operation Silver Lakes, carried out in South Africa, Focused Conservation Investigative Liaison played a pivotal role. The operation
South Africa seizes equipment used for abalone processing
With assistance from the South Africa Investigative Liason, suspects involved in abalone trafficking were located in the Western Cape region of South Africa. Permission was
Rhino Poachers stopped in South Africa
In South Africa, with the assistance from the Investigative Liason, a rhino poaching group was located and 5 suspects arrested who were in possession of
South African investigation of live pangolin trafficking
On June 26, 2023, the South Africa Investigative Liason provided information to a joint operation in Johannesburg, South Africa that resulted in the arrest of
Pangolin rescued and 4 arrested in South AFrica
On June 8, 2023, the South African Investigative Liason assisted the South African National Parks with an investigation that led to the arrest of 4
Four White Lion cubs seized in South Africa operation
On May 23, 2023, the seller of 4 white lion cubs was arrested during a Focused Conservation supported undercover law enforcement operation in Mulderdrift, South