
Suspected pangolin dealers in North West given R500 bail! In a recent case that highlights the ongoing illegal wildlife trade in South Africa, two men were arrested and charged with attempting to sell a pangolin.
Odireleng Makutle (22) and Mpho Lebese (38) were apprehended on Wednesday, 23 October, following a police operation spurred by a tip-off about men allegedly trying to sell the endangered animal.
Although pangolin trading is prohibited under the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act of 2004, both men were released on R500 bail after appearing in court.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
The incident began on 12 October when authorities received a tip-off regarding the sale of an endangered species. Officers from the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, based in Mahikeng, took the lead on the operation.
They managed to track Makutle and Lebese to the Maiyaiyane area in North West province, where they had reportedly been searching for a buyer for the pangolin. The suspects were detained during an undercover transaction.
On 24 October, the suspects appeared in court, where they were granted bail and had their case postponed until 4 December 2024, allowing for further investigation. North West police spokesperson Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse confirmed the arrest and the pending investigation into this case, emphasizing the seriousness of dealing in endangered species.
Illegal Pangolin Trade: A Persistent Issue
The pangolin trade, though illegal, continues to thrive in certain regions due to high demand in traditional medicine and luxury markets. Pangolins, recognized as the most trafficked mammals in the world, are primarily hunted for their scales, which are believed to hold medicinal properties in traditional practices, and their meat, considered a delicacy in some cultures. Their scales are also sometimes used in fashion accessories, especially in parts of Asia where the demand is highest.
The African Pangolin Working Group, a conservation organization dedicated to protecting these unique animals, reports that cases of pangolin trafficking reached a peak between 2018 and 2020 but have since started to decline. This decrease is attributed to enhanced awareness and strengthened law enforcement efforts.
Despite such efforts, the demand for pangolins remains a significant threat, and the illicit trade in endangered species continues to undermine conservation efforts. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and other conservation groups continue to advocate for stricter penalties and more awareness campaigns to protect pangolins and other endangered species.
Recent Pangolin Rescues Reflect Widespread Problem
This recent case is not the only pangolin-related incident to make headlines in South Africa. Earlier in October, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Sandton, Gauteng, rescued another pangolin found in an unoccupied vehicle in Morningside. These rescues highlight the ongoing demand and the dangerous conditions pangolins endure as traffickers attempt to smuggle them across regions for illegal trade.
The SPCA’s intervention and the work of other conservation bodies underscore the necessity for stricter monitoring of pangolin trading, along with the importance of educating the public about these creatures’ vulnerability. Conservationists stress that only increased law enforcement and public awareness can make a lasting difference in protecting endangered species.
Understanding the Pangolin: A Unique and Endangered Species
Pangolins are solitary, nocturnal mammals with a unique defense mechanism—they roll up into a ball when threatened. Found in both Africa and Asia, they vary by species and habitat. African pangolins are primarily burrowers, living in holes in the ground, while some Asian species reside in trees. With long, slender tongues, they feed mainly on ants and termites, playing a significant role in controlling insect populations.
Despite their appearance, pangolins are carnivores and closely related to animals like wolves and cats. Their scales, made of keratin (the same protein as human nails and hair), are used by poachers who sell them for traditional medicine and fashion.
The Road Ahead: Enhancing Conservation Efforts
This recent case of pangolin poaching and the suspects’ release on relatively low bail underline the challenges in protecting endangered species. Conservationists continue to call for stronger laws and judicial backing to ensure that those involved in the illegal wildlife trade face serious consequences.
Organizations like the African Pangolin Working Group are working tirelessly to raise awareness about the importance of protecting pangolins, while collaboration with international conservation networks is essential to curb illegal trafficking. Conservationists also stress that the public has a role to play; reporting suspicious activity can help authorities act quickly to prevent more pangolins from falling victim to the trade.
With continued advocacy, strict law enforcement, and public awareness, South Africa and other countries facing similar challenges can help safeguard the future of the pangolin, an animal that contributes significantly to its ecosystem and is deserving of protection.