Picture: A pangolin allegedly found in possession of suspects in Vryburg/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Four suspects aged between 43 and 59 were arrested in Vryburg on 2 June 2023 for allegedly being in possession of a Pangolin. The suspects were allegedly stopped by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation and members of the SAPS Tactical Response Team along Vryburg Road, while on their way to Mahikeng to meet a buyer of a pangolin.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said, the suspects were selling the pangolin for R60 000. She further said, the search was conducted and a pangolin was allegedly found in a bag in the boot of the vehicle.
“The vehicle was seized for further investigation and the pangolin was handed over to members of Nature Conservation. The suspects will appear at the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 5 June 2023 for contravention of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004.
“Meanwhile, the case against Teboho Kodwa (28), Deon Mubhada (33) Kabelo Batsi (36), and Lesego Siana (45), who were arrested in possession of two pangolins in Mahikeng, has been adjourned to 6 June 2023,” concluded Rikhotso.
The Guardian 