Local police arrested six suspects on 13 August after having been alerted that they were attempting to sell a pangolin.
According to the Midrand Police Station spokesperson, Sergeant Matome Tlamela, a member of their station received information around 3pm on 12 August that people were attempting to sell a pangolin. “He then made the necessary arrangements, setting the meeting up for the following day at 2pm at a lodge in Midrand.
“As he was waiting at the lodge in a room, one male wearing a white shirt and grey pants came and introduced himself, adding that he was there to make sure that everything was safe in the room, before leaving.”
Tlamela added that another man then came into the room. He said that the pangolin he had with him was worth R950 000 and that he had three more. “Our undercover officer agreed to pay R900 000 instead. The suspected dealer then went and fetched the mammal, coming back with two people. When our detective opened [the container] to check on the animal, it was alive.
“He then made a call pretending to call his boss to bring the money, soon there after, police came in and made the arrest.”
Tlamela concluded that the six arrested suspects were detained at the Midrand Police Station cells and the pangolin was placed in police custody until it was handed over to a pangolin rehabilition centre.
The six suspects are expected to appear in the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court soon on charges of attempting to sell an endangered species.
Details: Midrand Police Station 011 347 1600.
