Suspects aged between 32 and 49 charged with illegal dealing of pangolin and contravention of the National Environmental Management-Biodiversity (NEMBA) Act, are expected to appear in the Alexandra Magistrates’ court on Thursday, 28 April 2022.
Authorities followed up on intelligence received regarding an illegal trade of a pangolin in the Midrand area.
The team swiftly conducted a sting operation at a fuel station in Midrand where five suspects, three males and two females arrived for an exchange of a pangolin for cash.
The resultant search of the suspects’ vehicles uncovered a police appointment certificate belonging to one of the suspects. Electronic gadgets and two vehicles, a silver Toyota Avanza and Audi were seized for further investigation.
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Investigation in Germiston and Johannesburg, together with the Department of Environmental Affairs, rescued the pangolin that appeared to be unharmed.
It was taken to a veterinarian for examination.
