Two nabbed in Mokopane CBD for possession of a Pangolin
The arrest was made after the police received a tip-off from a local resident
MOKOPANE – The two people were arrested and a Pangolin recovered during a tactical joint operation conducted in the central business district (CBD) of Mokopane on Wednesday, 12 February.
The operation was conducted by members of Provincial Crime Intelligence and Endangered Species Units, together with officials from the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Limpopo (Ledet).
Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo says the operation was launched after the police received information about people, travelling in a white sedan, transporting a Pangolin. The members followed up on the information received and a vehicle matching the description given was stopped in central business district at around 14:50. During a search the members found a Pangolin and the duo were arrested on the spot and their vehicle seized, he added.
The accused, aged 28 and 41, will appear in the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court on a charge of possession an endangered species.
Meanwhile in Burgerfort, a 80-year-old man was arrested on 5 February after he was found to be in possession of a leopard skin and four paws.
He appeared in the Praktiseer Magistrate’s Court on 7 February, was released. His case was postponed until 7th April for further police investigations, said Mojapelo.
Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt Genl Nneke Ledwaba commended the members for their swift responses and following up on information received to ensure that the concept of Community Policing is actualized.
