GAUTENG – Two men, aged 37 and 52, charged with illegal dealing in pangolin and contravention of the National Environmental Management-Biodiversity (NEMBA) Act, appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court today, following their apprehension on Friday, 24 June 2022.
Authorities followed up on intelligence received regarding an illegal trade of a pangolin in the Cleveland area, central Johannesburg on Friday. An intelligence driven operation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Germiston and Johannesburg, together with the Benoni K9 Unit, was conducted in Cyrildene where they intercepted a positively identified suspects’ White Toyota Verso with two occupants, reportedly on their way to meet with the pangolin “potential buyer”.
Upon searching the suspects’ vehicle, authorities discovered that the vehicle was registered to the South African Police Service attached to Mamelodi East, found a slightly injured and traumatised pangolin and rescued it. The pangolin was later taken to hospital for treatment and handed over to the Department of Environmental Affairs.
The police official, Constable Hangwelani Emmauel Makhuvha (37) and his co-accused, Samuel Shinyama (57) were arrested and charged.
During their court appearance today, they were remanded in custody pending investigation. The case is postponed to Thursday, 30 June for a formal bail application.
The resultant search of the suspects’ vehicles’ uncovered a police appointment certificate belonging to Constable Makhuvha. Electronic gadgets and the state vehicle were seized for further investigation.
Source: South African Police Service