A joint law enforcement operation has resulted in the arrest of four men allegedly attempting to sell a protected pangolin for R80,000 in an illegal wildlife trafficking sting.
The suspects, aged between 47 and 62, will appear in the Welkom Magistrates Court on Friday, 5 June 2026. They face charges under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 and the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
The operation unfolded on 4 June 2026 after members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, working alongside the Welkom Anti-Gang Unit, acted on credible intelligence pointing to a group involved in the illicit sale of pangolins.
Authorities intercepted the suspects while they were travelling in a blue Toyota Quest. Law enforcement officials confirmed the group was caught in the act of negotiating the sale of one live pangolin for R80,000. All four individuals were immediately detained at the scene.
The seized pangolin has been transferred to designated wildlife authorities for protective custody and rehabilitation assessment while legal proceedings advance.
Pangolins are strictly protected under South African legislation. Any unauthorised capture, possession, transport, or commercial trade of the species constitutes a criminal offence carrying significant penalties.
Police have indicated that the investigation remains active and that further arrests may follow as detectives continue to pursue leads related to wildlife trafficking networks in the Free State province.