‘An intelligence driven operation was conducted in the Phalaborwa area  after information was received that there were people selling lion heads,’ said brig  Motlafela Mojapelo.

According to Mojapelo a  police trap was set up and five suspects aged between 38 and 70 were arrested.

The suspects were found in possession of a lion’s head.

‘The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba commended the swiftness in which the members utilized the information. He then went further to thank members of the community for their involvement in providing the information,’ Mojapelo said.

The possibility of linking this to similar incidents in the province are under way.

Also read: Two more lions mutilated at lodge