The pangolin found by the Benoni Flying Squad (BFS) was inspected by a veterinary surgeon and handed over to a member of Johannesburg Wild Life Hospital where it will receive further attention.
In a joint operation with National Crime Intelligence, BFS managed to rescue another pangolin and arrest four suspects for the illegal possession thereof.
“On February 23 at around noon, Sgt Willem du Preez, Sgt Thamsanqa Msane, WO Elvis Langa and members of National Crime Intelligence once again recovered an endangered pangolin,” said BFS WO Grant Giblin.
ALSO READ:
Two wanted for cellphone store robbery at Lakeside Mall
“The four suspects were arrested on the R21 south, around Engen 1-Stop.”
The pangolin was found stuffed in a yellow bag in the boot of a grey Nissan Primera.
“The four men in the Nissan were immediately arrested and their vehicle impounded,” he explained.
“It is alleged the suspects were trying to sell the animal for R500 000.
“It is suspected the animal spent about a week in captivity without free movement.”
The suspects, aged between 27 and 36 years, will be appearing in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court soon, facing charges under the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act of 2004.
This brings the total number of pangolins recovered by the BFS in recent months to three.
“One pangolin was recovered at Irene Mall on August 5 where one suspect was arrested,” Giblin explained.
“On October 23, another was recovered at Oakmore Railway Station and four suspects were arrested.”
In another incident, BFS members also responded to a complaint and arrested one woman suspected of fraud in Voortrekker Road.
In Daveyton another woman and two men were arrested in separate incidents for alleged assaults at the hostel on Bhaca Street.
Investigations continue in all cases.
Members of the community are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or any information to their local police station or contact 10111.
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
For more #hyperlocal news at your fingertips, visit Boksburg Advertiser, Springs Advertiser, Brakpan Herald, African Reporter and Kathorus Mail.
