Five suspects aged between 34 and 58 years old, were arrested in White River, whilst allegedly trying to sell a pangolin for R500,000 in White River.
The Hawks in Mpumalanga said they acted on information, which led them to the suspects.
Hawks’ Nelspruit Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI), and the White River K9 Unit, found the men red handed.
The pangolin was also seized alive and handed over to the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA).
They are expected at the White River Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, this week, for a charge of conveyance of a wild animal.
Brigadier Bruce Davenport of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, reiterated his team’s commitment to working with relevant law enforcement agencies and conservation authorities, to combat wildlife-related crimes.
Picture: SAPS newsroom