This article was written by the Johannesburg Wildlife Vets.
In 2023, we lost Naledi and her unborn baby to the illegal wildlife trade. Today, justice was finally served.
In June 2023, a sub-adult female Temminck’s pangolin named Naledi was admitted to Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital after being confiscated during a SAPS operation linked to the illegal wildlife trade. She arrived in one of the worst conditions we have ever seen in a pangolin.
Naledi was severely dehydrated, starving, emaciated, and already in kidney failure. Her body condition score was 1/5. During her examination we discovered something even more devastating – Naledi was pregnant.
Her unborn baby was already compromised from prolonged starvation and stress.
Despite intensive treatment, fluid therapy, monitoring, and around-the-clock care, Naledi succumbed to her condition just 5 days later. We did not only lose Naledi. We lost her unborn baby too. An entire future generation, gone forever because of greed and the illegal wildlife trade.
But today, there was justice.
Today, in the North West Molopo Regional Court, Naledi’s poacher was sentenced to 8 years direct imprisonment in what is being described as a precedent-setting case for the North West Province. In addition, his vehicle – valued at approximately R800 000 – was forfeited to the State.
This sentence sends a powerful message:
Wildlife crime is not a harmless offence. It causes immense suffering, destruction, and loss.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the North West Province Nature Conservation officials for their dedication to this case, and a very special thank you to State Advocate Bennie Kalakgosi for his tireless efforts – not only in Naledi’s case, but in the many wildlife crime cases he oversees. These convictions do not happen without passionate people fighting behind the scenes for animals that cannot speak for themselves.
Cases like Naledi’s are emotionally devastating for our team, but today reminds us why this work matters. Every rescue, every affidavit, every court appearance, every late night fighting for these animals matters.
If you would like to support our work treating, rehabilitating, and fighting for South Africa’s wildlife victims, please consider donating to Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital.
https://www.johannesburgwildlifevet.com/make-a-donation.html
These animals need a voice.
And they need people willing to stand beside them.
Picture: Supplied