Botswana Individual Arrested for Smuggling Live Pangolin Across the Limpopo River

Polokwane – A unit of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) detained an individual attempting to cross the Limpopo River from Botswana into South Africa. During a routine inspection, they found a live pangolin concealed in his bag.

Detailing the animal’s rescue, police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba mentioned: “On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, around 19:30, SANDF personnel were carrying out regular patrols along the Limpopo River near the Groblersbrug Border Post when they noticed a male suspect arriving from Botswana.”

“Upon examining his bag, officials discovered a live pangolin, classified as a Specially Protected Wild Animal.”

Colonel Ledwaba emphasized that the suspect, who illegally crossed the river without authorization, was unable to provide a satisfactory account regarding the origin of the pangolin.

The SANDF officers arrested the man and transferred him to the Tom Burke Border Police.

The accused, 27-year-old Tholego Gaebolae, subsequently appeared in the Phalala Magistrate’s Court on Friday, August 28, 2026.

This national from Botswana is now facing charges related to the possession of Specially Protected Wild Animals and violating the South African Immigration Act 13 of 2002.

Colonel Ledwaba confirmed that Gaebolae remains in custody, with another court appearance scheduled for September 17, 2026, for a formal bail hearing and ongoing police investigations.

A single pangolin can fetch up to R5,000 on the South African black market, while its scales are valued at over R51,000 per kilogram.

Pangolin meat is considered a delicacy, whereas its scales are utilized in traditional medicine.

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