Four arrested for illegal possession of a pangolin
Four suspects are to appear in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Friday, after they were caught attempting to sell a pangolin for R80 000.
Black News 
Four suspects are expected to appear in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 5 June, after they were caught attempting to sell a pangolin for R80 000.
The suspects, aged between 47 and 62, face charges relating to alleged contraventions of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act and the Animals Protection Act.
Illegal sale
According to the Hawks, members of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, working together with the Welkom Anti-Gang Unit, acted on intelligence regarding a group allegedly involved in the illegal sale of pangolins.
The information was operationalised on Thursday, 4 June, leading law enforcement officers to the suspects.
Authorities said the four suspects were travelling in a blue Toyota Quest when they were allegedly caught red-handed attempting to sell a live pangolin.
The suspects were immediately arrested at the scene.
Pangolin handed over for safekeeping
The rescued pangolin was handed over to the relevant authorities for safekeeping and further assessment.
Pangolins are among the world’s most trafficked mammals and are protected under South African law.
The illegal trade in the animals is driven by demand for their scales and meat in international wildlife trafficking networks.
The Hawks have not ruled out further investigations as they continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the alleged sale.
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