Central SA
Four in custody over endangered species─── LUCKY NKUYANE 06:00 Mon, 08 Feb 2021
Four suspects are in custody following their arrest by the police in the Northern Cape for being in possession of the skin and scales of an endangered animal.
The four were arrested by the Kimberley Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STESU) on Sunday during an operation in that area. Police spokesperson, Sergio Kock, says the four were caught after they were found in possession of two Pangolins' skins, four canisters of mercury and one small diamond.
According to Kock, the Pangolin is said to be the most widely trafficked mammal in the world as its scales are in high demand in some countries. The four are set to appear in the Kimberley Magistrate's Court soon for illegal possession of Pangolin skins and the diamond.
Kock adds that the police also confiscated the white Opel Corsa as it was allegedly utilised in the commission of the crime. Meanwhile, the acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Henriëtte de Waal, commended the Kimberley STESU members for a great job. De Waal also thanked the community for their assistance in this regard.
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