Arrests Made in Botswana for Smuggling Live Pangolins Across the Limpopo River

Polokwane – A unit of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has apprehended a person attempting to cross the Limpopo River from Botswana into South Africa. During a routine check, officials discovered a live pangolin concealed in his luggage.

In a statement regarding the animal’s rescue, police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba mentioned: “On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at approximately 19:30, SANDF personnel were conducting their standard patrols along the Limpopo River close to the Groblersbrug Border Post when they noticed a male suspect coming from Botswana.”

“Upon inspecting his possessions, authorities found a live pangolin, a species classified as a Specially Protected Wild Animal.”

Colonel Ledwaba emphasized that the suspect, who illegally crossed the river without the necessary documentation, failed to provide a valid explanation for having the pangolin in his possession.

The SANDF officers detained the suspect and transferred him to the Tom Burke Border Police.

The 27-year-old suspect, Tholego Gaebolae, was presented in the Phalala Magistrate’s Court on Friday, August 28, 2026.

This individual from Botswana now faces charges for possessing Specially Protected Wild Animals and breaching the South African Immigration Act 13 of 2002.

Colonel Ledwaba confirmed that Gaebolae is still in custody, with his next court appearance scheduled for September 17, 2026, to address bail and the ongoing police investigation.

In South Africa, the illegal market value of a pangolin can soar to R5,000, whereas its scales may fetch over R51,000 per kilogram.

Pangolin meat is considered a delicacy, and its scales are often used in traditional medicine.

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