HARARE – Two Chinese nationals, Lin Wang and Fuxi Wang, have been arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle rhino horns worth a combined US$480,000 out of Zimbabwe through Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare.

The illicit wildlife contraband was concealed inside sculptures, including a plastic owl, and intercepted by authorities following a series of investigations and surveillance operations.

It is the State’s case that on September 12, 2024, Lin Wang (also known as William Kings) arrived at the airport carrying a 13-kilogram owl-shaped plastic sculpture, which he intended to export to China.

He engaged a clearing agent, Cuthbert Maoko, to facilitate the shipment. The sculpture was processed through the National Handling Services (NHS) Cargo handling area and scanned by Aviation Ground Services (AGS).

However, the scan revealed inconsistencies, prompting officials from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and AGS to hold the item for further inspection.

The sculpture was placed under a two-month holding period. On November 20, 2024, officials broke open the sculpture and discovered five rhino horn pieces wrapped in newspaper and concealed in plastic.

The horns, valued at US$360,000, were seized by ZIMRA. The clearing agent implicated Lin Wang as the individual who had handed him the sculpture. When called to answer questions, Lin disappeared, leading to a manhunt.

In a separate but related incident, Lin Wang and Fuxi Wang were involved in another smuggling attempt. On an unspecified date, Lin approached a clearing agent in Alexandra Park, Harare, agreeing to a transaction fee of US$600. He paid a US$300 deposit and arranged to complete the payment two days later.

Detectives conducting surveillance along Fleetwood Road in Alexandra Park observed Fuxi handing Lin a white plastic parcel at the gate of a house. Lin took the parcel and drove off in a hired Nissan X-Trail. The surveillance team followed and saw Lin pick up the agent, paying US$200 of the remaining US$300 balance inside the vehicle.

As the transaction unfolded, police moved in and identified themselves. Detective Sergeant Kemusi recovered the plastic bag, which contained a khaki cardboard box concealing rhino horns. Lin was asked to produce a permit authorizing possession of the rhino horns but failed to do so, resulting in his arrest. The recovered horns were valued at US$120,000. Fuxi Wang was also implicated in the operation and taken into custody. Both individuals now face charges related to the illegal possession and smuggling of rhino horns.

Both Lin Wang and Fuxi Wang appeared before Harare magistrate Isheunesu Matova. They were not asked to plead and were remanded in custody. The magistrate advised them to apply for bail at the High Court, as they are facing a third schedule offense under Zimbabwean law. The case has been rolled over to March 11 for further proceedings.

Rhino horns are highly sought after in traditional Chinese medicine, where they are believed to treat ailments ranging from cancer to hangovers. However, all species of rhino are listed under CITES Appendix I, making international trade illegal.

With fewer than 29,000 rhinos remaining in the wild and in captivity, the illegal trade poses a significant threat to their survival.

While China has made strides in wildlife protection in recent years, the demand for rhino horns and other wildlife products continues to drive illegal activities.