Five arrested after east of Pretoria car chase
The vehicle sped off from the east of Pretoria in the direction of Mpumalanga, leading to a high-speed chase.
Police were hot on the heels of five suspects who have been arrested after being part of a pangolin sale in Cullinan on Friday, May 17.
Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk in a statement said that information was received that a pangolin was being offered for sale in Cullinan on May 10, 2024.
He said seven days later an intelligence-driven operation was executed by members of the Cullinan Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit and Gauteng Traffic Wardens after reacting to the information supplied as a tip-off.
“The Cullinan Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit launched an investigation to track and apprehend the suspects and rescue the smuggled pangolin. During the ongoing investigation, it was established that a transaction would occur on May 17,” according to van Dyk.
Tshwane Police Rescue Smuggled Pangolin. Photo: Supplied
An operational team was assembled and strategically positioned around the location of the transaction, covering all entrance and exit points with a tactical stopper group ready to pursue any person or vehicle attempting to escape.
He said two vehicles arrived at the designated location, and the static team arrested three suspects in one of the vehicles.
Van Dyk said police also gave chase to a second vehicle in the location which had witnessed the arrests taking place.
The vehicle sped off. A high-speed chase ensued in the direction of Mpumalanga. The tactical stopper group managed to apprehend the suspects and the vehicle attempting to flee.
All five suspects were arrested, and two Toyota Corolla vehicles were seized and impounded.
“All the suspects will be charged under the National Environmental Management Act of 2004 and will appear in court on Monday.”
He said all the rescued pangolins were taken to a wildlife sanctuary for safety.
Acting District Commissioner of Tshwane, Brigadier Samuel Thine, congratulated all members involved in rescuing the pangolin and bringing the culprits to justice.
Tshwane Police Rescue Smuggled Pangolin. Photo: Supplied
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