The Kimberley Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STESU) arrested four male suspects in possession of two pangolin skins on Sunday, February 7.
A week-long operation led to the suspects being arrested through a successful buy and bust operation. Members of SAPS Kimberley STESU apprehended and arrested the men with two pangolin skins, four canisters of mercury and one small diamond. Police also confiscated the white Opel Corsa as it was allegedly utilised in the commission of crime.
The suspects are aged between 30 and 40 years and will appear in the Kimberley Magistrates’ court soon for illegal possession of pangolin skins and diamonds.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Maj Gen Henriette de Waal commended the Kimberley STESU members for a great job and also thanked the community for their assistance.
Pangolin is the most trafficked mammal in the world. Its scales are in high demand in some countries for use in traditional medicine, despite there being no scientific proof or medical benefit for their use.
#sapsNC Members of #SAPS Kimberley Stock Theft & Endangered Species Unit arrested 4 suspects for possession of 2 pangolin skins this morning. Arrests followed after a week-long clandestine operation and successful buy & bust operation. SWhttps://t.co/8biburEjtn pic.twitter.com/eI3AXdEEDI
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) February 7, 2021
Picture: SAPS
