Picture: Two dead pangolins allegedly found in a plastic bag/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Four men briefly appeared at Brits Magistrate’s Court for being in possession of dead pangolins. Morewell Mpofu (34), Simon Gwenzi (26), Phineas Mchuma (46) and Taurai Zhou (35) were arrested during a crime intelligence driven-operation on 4 July 2023.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the Brits Trio Task Team members operationalised information received about four men who were seen selling two dead pangolins. Tselanyane further said the police reacted swiftly and Mpofu, Gwenzi, Mchuma and Zhou, who were allegedly found in possession of pangolins, were cornered in Wagpos in Brits.
“The pangolins were found inside plastic bags and they were all arrested. The accused were charged with possession of endangered species, which is in contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, (NEMBA), 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004).
“Mpofu, Gwenzi, Mchuma and Zhou were remanded in custody for further investigation. Their case was postponed to 14 July 2023 and investigation into the matter continues,” he said.
The Guardian 