Four suspects were arrested for the alleged unlawful possession of endangered species after two live pangolins were found inside a vehicle during an intelligence-led operation at Waterfall Mall in Rustenburg on Wednesday, 04 November 2026.
The operation followed information received by Crime Intelligence (CI) Ivory Park, regarding a group of suspects who were allegedly involved in the illegal trade of endangered species. The information indicated that the suspects were in possession of two female pangolins, which they intended to sell to potential buyers for approximately R500 000-00 each.
Following the information, a cross-border, multidisciplinary team comprising members of Crime Intelligence Ivory Park and North West, SAPS Ivory Park Task Team, Phokeng K9, Rustenburg Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Safeguard Risk Services was assembled and deployed to the area.
The team proceeded to the parking lot at a Mall in Rustenburg and kept observation. A white BMW, in which the suspects were travelling, was seen entering the mall and was intercepted by the operational team.
Permission to search the vehicle was granted and upon searching the vehicle, two live pangolins were found inside the boot. When questioned about the endangered species, the four suspects, aged between 38 and 51, could not give a reasonable explanation and were subsequently arrested for unlawful possession of endangered species.
The vehicle was also found to be affixed with false registration plates. It was seized for further investigation.
Members of the Rustenburg Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment were called to the scene. The two pangolins were rescued and taken for safety purposes by members of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
The estimated value of the pangolins is +-R1 000 000.00(One Million Rands)
Further investigations are continuing to establish the suspects' criminal network.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrates' Court on Friday, 06 November 2026, to face charges of unlawful possession of endangered species in contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 10 of 2004.
The Provincial Commissioner of the North West, Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams, commended all the units involved for their excellent collaboration and swift action that led to the rescue of the pangolins and the arrest of the suspects. He emphasised that the SAPS remains committed to protecting the country's endangered species and bringing those involved in wildlife crime to justice. #EnviroCrimes
