Hawks pounce on pangolin peddlers – four arrested

The Hawks arrested four men for allegedly attempting to sell endangered pangolins for R200 000 in Mahikeng, North West.

Four men were arrested for allegedly attempting to sell two pangolins in Mahikeng, North West on Tuesday, 30 May.

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HAWKS NAB MEN FOR ATTEMPTED SALE OF PANGOLINS

Hawks spokesperson Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso said members of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit were following up on information about the suspects who were allegedly seeking a buyer for the protected animal.

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The going price for the pangolins was R200 000. The suspects – aged between 29 and 45 – were nabbed at Mahikeng Mall when they were found in possession of the endangered species.

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ENDANGERED ANIMALS TAKEN TO HOSPITAL

“They will appear before the Mahikeng Magistrate’s Court on 1 June 2023, where they will be facing charges of contravention of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004,” said the Hawks spokesperson.

ENDANGERED ANIMALS TAKEN TO HOSPITAL

“They will appear before the Mahikeng Magistrate’s Court on 1 June 2023, where they will be facing charges of contravention of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004,” said the Hawks spokesperson.

The pangolins were taken to a wildlife veterinary hospital.

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