Picture: A pangolin rescued from sellers/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Four suspects aged between 48 and 58 have been arrested for ‘illegally’ dealing in pangolin and contravention of the National Environmental Management-Biodiversity (Nemba) Act 10 of 2004.
The suspects were arrested in Ga-Segonyana, near Kuruman on Saturday.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomzamo Mnisi said a multi-disciplinary operation comprising of Hawks Kuruman-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, Kimberley Tactical Response Team, Kimberley Flying Squad, and Kuruman Highway Patrol unit received a tip-off regarding the suspects, who were looking for a potential buyer to purchase a pangolin for R250 000.
“This led to the successful arrest of four suspects. A buy-and-burst operation was conducted near Ga-Segonyana Traffic Department. A live pangolin was rescued and a C180 Kompressor Mercedes Benz used in the crime commission, was confiscated for further investigation.
“All suspects are expected to appear before Kuruman Magistrate’s Court on Monday,” she said.
The Guardian 