By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
6 June 2025- Four accused aged between 25 and 36, briefly appeared before the Kuruman Magistrate’s Court facing charges of contravention of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 on 6 June 2025.
Refilwe Ejang (36), Bafenyi Baganeng (25), Rapelang Namusi (32) and Pogisho Motlhabane, were arrested on 5 June 2025, during a multi-disciplinary approach by Kathu based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, Upington Cluster, Highway Patrol, Kuruman Public Order Policing (POP), as well as the Kuruman Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC).
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said they received a tip-off about a person within the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) cluster intending to sell a pangolin. Mnisi said a sting operation was conducted with the accused at Oasis Casino, Kuruman.
“Four targets arrived in a white VW Golf 1 and met with the agent. Target produced one live adult female pangolin and agreement was made for R250 000, for the sale of the pangolin.
“As soon as the transaction was concluded, the accused were immediately apprehended and detained at the Kuruman Police Station cells pending their first court appearance,” she said.
Mnisi further said the case against four accused has been postponed to 11 June 2025, for formal bail application.
The Guardian 