Four wildlife crime suspects arrested after allegedly being found in possession of two live endangered pangolins worth an estimated R1 million are expected to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 06 November 2026.
The suspects, aged between 38 and 51, were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation at Waterfall Mall in Rustenburg on Wednesday, 04 November.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in North West, the operation followed intelligence received by Crime Intelligence in Ivory Park about a group allegedly involved in the illegal trade of endangered wildlife.
Police spokesperson in the province Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the information reportedly indicated that the suspects were in possession of two female pangolins, which they intended to sell to potential buyers for approximately R500 000 each.
Morake said then a multidisciplinary team comprising Crime Intelligence members from Ivory Park and North West, the SAPS Ivory Park Task Team, Phokeng K9, Rustenburg Tactical Response Team and Safeguard Risk Services was subsequently assembled to track down the suspects.
The team proceeded to Waterfall Mall, where they kept the suspects under surveillance before intercepting a white BMW in which the four were travelling.
During a search of the German vehicle, police discovered two live pangolins inside the boot. The suspects allegedly failed to provide a reasonable explanation for possessing the endangered animals and were subsequently arrested.
Police also discovered that the BMW was fitted with false registration plates.
The vehicle was seized as part of the ongoing investigation.
Members of the Rustenburg Local Criminal Record Centre and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment were reportedly called to the scene.
The two pangolins were rescued and placed under the care of the department for safekeeping.
The estimated value of the rescued animals is approximately R1 million.
The suspects are expected to face charges of unlawful possession of endangered species in contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004.
Police said investigations are continuing to establish the extent of the alleged wildlife trafficking operation and identify other individuals who may be linked to the suspected criminal network.
North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams commended the multidisciplinary team for its collaboration and swift response, which resulted in the rescue of the endangered animals and the arrest of the four suspects.
He reiterated that the SAPS remains committed to protecting South Africa’s endangered wildlife and ensuring that those involved in wildlife-related crimes are brought to justice.
