STATE TO VERIFY THE STATUS OF FOUR MEN BUSTED WHILE SELLING PANGOLINS
The case against Kabelo McDonald Batsi (36), Deon Clamans Mubhada (33) a Zimbabwean national, Tebogo Kodwa (28), and Lesego Siana (45) a Botswana national, was adjourned at Molopo Magistrates’ Court, to 06 June 2023, for verification of their statuses in preparation for bail application. They are facing two charges of contravention of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act of 10 of 2004 after they were found in possession of two pangolins.
They were arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation on 30 May 2023, following their attempt to sell the two Pangolins for R200 000. The Hawks report revealed that information that was followed up on, led to the arrest of the four at Mahikeng Mall where they were found in possession of the endangered species, allegedly trying to sell it.
They will remain in police custody until the next court appearance set for a bail application. Meanwhile, investigations are still underway to establish more facts on the matter.
Owing to the serious nature of such offences in the province, a senior state advocate, Adv Benny Kalakgosi, has been allocated the case to ensure that the four are brought to book successfully.
