ENDANGERED SPECIES ILLEGAL DEALER ARRESTED
NORTHERN CAPE – 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 led to a successful arrest of four (4) african males aged between 48 and 58 on Saturday, 22 July 2023 for alleged illegal dealing in pangolin and contravention on National Environmental Management-Biodiversity (Nemba) Act 10 of 2004.
A tip-off information was received regarding suspects looking for a potential buyer to purchase a pangolin for an amount of R250 000. A buy and burst operation was conducted near Ga-Segonyana Traffic Department and four (4) suspects were arrested. A live pangolin was rescued and a C180 Kompressor Mercedes Benz that was used in the commission of crime was confiscated for further investigation.
All suspects are expected to appear before Kuruman Magistrates court on Monday, 24 July 2023.
