Polokwane – A 27-year-old Botswana national has been arrested after a live pangolin was allegedly found in his bag while he was crossing the Limpopo River into South Africa near the Groblersbrug Border Post.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the suspect, identified as Tholego Gaebolae, was arrested on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, during a routine patrol conducted by members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) along the Limpopo River.
Police said SANDF members spotted a man crossing the river from Botswana into South Africa at about 19:30.
“They allegedly confronted the suspect and requested his passport, which he failed to produce,” SAPS said in a statement.
A search of the man’s bag allegedly resulted in the discovery of a live pangolin, which is classified as a specially protected wild animal.
“The suspect failed to provide a satisfactory explanation about the origin and possession of the protected species,” police said.
The suspect was subsequently apprehended and handed over to Tom Burke Border Policing for further investigation.
Gaebolae appeared before the Phalala Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 28 August, facing charges of possession of a specially protected wild animal and contravention of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002.
He was remanded in custody, with the case postponed to 17 September 2026 for a formal bail application and further police investigations.
The arrest comes amid continued efforts by South African law enforcement agencies to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species along the country’s borders.
Pangolins are among the world’s most trafficked mammals, with their scales and meat driving illegal trade across parts of Africa and Asia.
The Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, commended the SANDF and SAPS members involved in the arrest.
Scheepers praised their “vigilance and collaboration in protecting the country’s borders and endangered wildlife species”.
Police said investigations into the matter are continuing.
The accused remains in custody and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Facebook / SAPS
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
