Five people have been arrested in Malmesbury, Western Cape, after police allegedly uncovered the illegal sale of a pangolin during a sting operation.
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The arrests followed a tip-off that a transaction involving the protected animal was expected to take place at a petrol station along the N7, as reported by EWN.
According to police spokesperson Ndakhe Gwala, officers kept the location under surveillance before moving in on the suspects.
“The suspects parked at the back of the petrol station, and members swiftly closed in and conducted a vehicle search. In the boot of the vehicle was a white drum containing a female pangolin. Five suspects between the ages of 28 and 53 were arrested for possession of an endangered species,” said Gwala.
The female pangolin was rescued during the operation.
Pangolins are among the world’s most heavily trafficked mammals, with all eight species protected under international law. In South Africa, they are listed as protected species, making it illegal to capture, possess, transport or trade them without the necessary permits.
The five suspects are expected to appear in court on charges relating to the possession of an endangered species.
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