Six arrested for dealing in Pangolin A multidisciplinary sting operation lead by the Hawks' Wildlife-Trafficking team involving Pretoria based National Intervention Unit, Pangolin Africa attached to the University of Pretoria and Midrand Detectives resulted in the arrest of six suspects at Kyalami Corner yesterday afternoon.

The unsuspecting syndicate aged

between 30 and 43 was pounced upon when they were in the process of looking for a buyer of one of the most protected and

vulnerable species.

Various exhibits were seized from the suspects for further investigation.

These includes, a Toyota Fortuner, a Mini Cooper, cellphones and live pangolin.

The group is still being processed and charges of dealing, possession of pangolin in contravention of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) are being preferred against them.

The said Act aims to provide the framework, norms, and standards for the conservation, sustainable use, and equitable benefit-sharing of the Republic of South Africa's biological resources.

It is in against this backdrop that the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation strives

to address these kind of offenses.

The arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Midrand Magistrate's Court on Friday.

http://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=31266

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