Pangolin dealer arrested

■ Joe Dreyer

A 59-year old man was arrested in Gravelotte this week after attempting to sell a Pangolin in Hoedspruit. A collaborative effort between the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, CIC National Security, D-Dass and Hoedspruit Farmwatch resulted in the arrest on the 17th of May.

The team received a tip-off about a suspect who was allegedly on his way to sell a Pangolin in Hoedspruit, and without wasting any time, the team followed up on the information and a suspicious vehicle was spotted in Gravelotte.

The vehicle was stopped and searched and the team found a Pangolin hidden in the boot inside a bag. The suspect failed to produce a permit for being in possession of a Pangolin and was immediately placed under arrest.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Namakgale Magistrate Court to face charges relating to the illegal dealing in endangered species.