Four suspects, aged between 47 and 62, are scheduled to appear in the Welkom Magistrates Court on Friday, 5 June 2026, facing charges related to the illegal possession and attempted sale of a pangolin.
The arrests follow a coordinated operation conducted on 4 June 2026 by members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit and the Welkom Anti-Gang Unit. Acting on verified intelligence regarding a group allegedly involved in the trafficking of pangolins, law enforcement officials operationalised the information and intercepted the suspects.
The four individuals were apprehended while travelling in a blue Toyota Quest. According to police, they were caught in the act of attempting to sell one live pangolin for R80,000. The suspects were immediately placed under arrest at the scene.
The confiscated pangolin has been handed over to the relevant wildlife authorities for safekeeping and appropriate care pending further legal proceedings.
The accused face charges in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004, as well as the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. Pangolins are protected species under South African law, and their capture, possession, or trade without permits constitutes a serious criminal offence.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests as inquiries continue.
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