Cape Town – Two Zimbabwean nationals were arrested for possession of a pangolin and an elephant tusk worth R1m at the Beitbridge bridge border line in Limpopo on Friday.
The duo was expected to appear at the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
They faced charges of possession of protected species, police said in a statement.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson, Coonel Malesela Ledwaba the suspects were arrested following a sting joint operation by crime intelligence, the stock theft and endangered species unit and Beitbridge task team joined by members of the military and the Wildlife Centre.
#sapsLIM Two suspects were arrested for possession of a pangolin and an elephant tusk worth R1 million at the Beitbridge bridge border on 18/11 after a tip-off was received that they crossed into South Africa by using a boat. NP https://t.co/lgLoqpZDsj pic.twitter.com/6JTLH2c8Xd
— SA Police Service ?? (@SAPoliceService) November 21, 2022
He said information was received about suspects in possession of protected species who had crossed into South Africa from Zimbabwe using a boat.
“An operation was conducted and the suspects were apprehended at about 12pm along the western border line at Beitbridge. One pangolin and an elephant tusk with an estimated street value of R1m were found concealed inside the bags they were carrying,” said Malesela.
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Picture: Twitter/ @SAPoliceService
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
