Edward Motlatsi Phiri (46) and Tlhoriso France Ralph (51) have been sentenced to eight years’ direct imprisonment by the Mmabatho magistrate’s court after being found guilty of contravening the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004.

The Witness reports that the sentencing on Tuesday (May 26) stems from a 2023 case in which authorities received intelligence that the pair intended to sell a pangolin in Mahikeng.

The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, working with the Tactical Response Team (TRT), arrested the suspects along the Vryburg road.

During the operation, police searched the suspects’ vehicle and found a pangolin inside.

The pair were arrested on the scene and later granted bail while appearing in court over multiple hearings leading up to their conviction.

North West Hawks head Major General Nombuso Khoza praised the coordinated efforts of law enforcement officials involved in the investigation and prosecution.

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