Three suspects arrested for illegal possession of protected wildlife species have been granted bail after appearing in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court.
The arrests followed separate incidents during a joint operation targeting wildlife trafficking and the illegal possession of protected species in Polokwane.
The operation took place on 4 March and involved the Provincial and Polokwane Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit, the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), and the Limpopo Pangolin Collective.
In the first incident, police arrested Obed Makoena (36) and Thabang Kgaphola (34) near Makro in Polokwane. Officers found their vehicle carrying 14 protected leopard tortoises without the required permits.
In a separate operation in Sterpark, Polokwane, police arrested Aubrey Mokalapa (32) after he was allegedly found with three leopard skins and one lion skin, also without the necessary permits.
All three suspects appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 11 March. The court granted each suspect bail of R10,000.
The cases have been postponed while investigations continue.
Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised the cooperation between police and environmental authorities that led to the arrests.
“The illegal trade in protected wildlife and their derivatives remains a serious environmental crime,” said Hadebe.
“These arrests demonstrate the strength of partnerships between SAPS, environmental authorities and conservation stakeholders. We will continue to intensify operations aimed at protecting our country’s biodiversity and ensuring that those who violate environmental laws are brought to book.”
Police said investigations into the cases are continuing.
