Botswana Man Arrested for Smuggling Live Pangolin Across the Limpopo River

Polokwane – A team from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) detained a person who was attempting to cross the Limpopo River from Botswana into South Africa, uncovering a live pangolin concealed in his bag during a routine inspection.

Elaborating on the details of the animal’s rescue, police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba commented: “On Wednesday, 26 August 2026, around 19:30, SANDF members were performing standard patrols along the Limpopo River close to the Groblersbrug Border Post when they noticed a male suspect crossing from Botswana into South Africa.”

“Upon checking his bag, a live pangolin was discovered, which is classified as a Specially Protected Wild Animal.”

Colonel Ledwaba emphasized that the suspect, who illegally crossed the river without proper documentation, was unable to provide a legitimate explanation for the pangolin’s origin.

The SANDF members arrested the suspect and transferred him to the Tom Burke Border Police.

The individual, identified as Tholego Gaebolae, 27, later appeared in the Phalala Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 28 August 2026.

This Botswana national faces charges of possession of Specially Protected Wild Animals and violating the South African Immigration Act 13 of 2002.

Colonel Ledwaba confirmed that Gaebolae is still in custody, with his next court appearance scheduled for 17 September 2026 for a formal bail hearing and additional police inquiries.

A single pangolin can fetch up to R5 000 on the South African black market, with its scales selling for over R51 000 per kilogram.

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

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