TZANEEN: Trio arrested after trying to sell pangolin at Lifestyle Centre
Three men are expected to appear before the Tzaneen Magistrate court on Friday after they were found in possession of a pangolin, one of the protected species.
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe, said the police in the province are succeeding in the fight against crime affecting the protected species.
The trio was arrested after the K9 Unit received a tip off that there were three men selling a pangolin at the Tzaneen Lifestyle Centre.
“They reacted swiftly and arrested these suspects. During the arrest, a living pangolin was found inside the car and confiscated,” Ngoepe said.
The suspects were identified as Simba Simango (32) , Jacob Thosago (27) and Chipo Maphosa (19).
The Police investigations are still continuing.
Last year the police arrested a man who was selling a pangolin at the mall.
Read: TZANEEN: Suspect caught selling a pangolin
Meanwhile on October 2014 the police in Makhado outside Thohoyandou had arrested Victor Mulalo Ratombo (37) from Thohoyandou for possession of a pangolin.
“The animal was found wrapped in a mealie meal bag in the back of the accused’s vehicle and it was confiscated by the police,” added Ngoepe.
Ratombo was arrested while busy selling the pangolin at the local taxi rank in Makhado.
“He pleaded guilty in the Waterval Magistrate’s Court and he was then sentenced to three years imprisonment or pay a R40 000.00 fine,” concluded Ngoepe.
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