TWO SUSPECTS NABBED FOR POSSESSION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES WORTH R1 MILLION TO APPEAR IN COURT
LUTENDO LIVHEBE – MUDAU. – Two Zimbabwean nationals aged 32 and 43, arrested for possession of a pangoline and an elephant tusk worth R1 million at the Beitbridge bridge border line, will appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court today , 21 November 2022 on charges of possession of protected Species. The suspects were arrested on Friday 18 November 2022.
The suspects were arrested following a sting joint operation by SAPS members comprising of Crime Intelligence Unit, Stock Theft and Endangered Species ( STES) Unit, Beitbridge Task team joined by members of SANDF and Wildlife centre after information was received about individuals who are in possession of protected Species and have just crossed into South Africa from Zimbabwe using a boat.
Thorough investigation, an Operation was conducted and the suspects were apprehended at about 12:00 along the Western border line at Beitbridge. One pangoline and an elephant tusk to the estimated street value of R1 million were found concealed inside the bags that they were carrying.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has hailed the members for the well coordinated operation that resulted in the arrest of the suspects and the continued support of the community in the fight against crime.
Police investigations are still continuing
