Botswana Man Arrested for Smuggling Live Pangolin After Crossing the Limpopo River

Polokwane – A patrol unit from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) detained an individual trying to cross the Limpopo River from Botswana into South Africa, uncovering a live pangolin concealed in his bag during a routine search.

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

“During the inspection of his bag, they discovered a live pangolin, which is recognized as a Specially Protected Wild Animal.”

Colonel Ledwaba indicated that the suspect, who had illegally crossed the river without a passport, could not provide a credible account regarding the source of the pangolin.

The SANDF personnel arrested the individual and transferred him to the Tom Burke Border Police.

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

This Botswana national is facing charges for possessing Specially Protected Wild Animals and violating the SA Immigration Act 13 of 2002.

Colonel Ledwaba confirmed that Gaebolae was remanded in custody, with his hearing postponed to 17 September 2026 for a formal bail application and further police investigations.

A single pangolin can fetch approximately R5 000 on the South African black market, while its scales may exceed R51 000 per kilogram.

The meat is regarded as a delicacy, and the scales are utilized in traditional medicine.

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