South Africa: pilot, lawyer and other members of alleged rhino-poaching ring appear in court

Published January 08, 2015

A pilot, a lawyer, a police officer and other South African members of an alleged poaching ring accused of killing two dozen rhinos over several years have appeared in a court in Pretoria, South Africa's capital.

A judge on Monday ordered the group's alleged ringleader, Hugo Ras, to remain in custody until a bail hearing on Oct. 8.

The 10 suspects who crowded onto a long bench in the courtroom were arrested Sept. 19 after a yearlong investigation by police and other agencies.

South Africa is struggling to stem a surge in rhino poaching as demand for rhino horn rises in some parts of Asia, including China and Vietnam. Some people view rhino horn as a status symbol and a healing agent, despite a lack of evidence that it can cure.

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https://www.foxnews.com/world/south-africa-pilot-lawyer-and-other-members-of-alleged-rhino-poaching-ring-appear-in-court