Individual Arrested in Botswana for Smuggling Live Pangolin Across the Limpopo River

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

In regard to the rescue of the animal, police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba noted: “On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at around 19:30, SANDF officers were performing routine patrols along the Limpopo River close to the Groblersbrug Border Post when they observed a male suspect arriving from Botswana.”

“Upon checking his bag, authorities found a live pangolin, classified as a Specially Protected Wild Animal.”

Colonel Ledwaba emphasized that the suspect, who illegally crossed the river without proper authority, was unable to give a valid account of the pangolin’s origin.

The SANDF personnel took the suspect into custody and transferred him to the Tom Burke Border Police.

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

This individual 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 detained, with a follow-up court hearing scheduled for September 17, 2026, for a formal bail hearing and continued police investigations.

One pangolin can fetch as much as R5,000 on the South African black market, with its scales valued at over R51,000 per kilogram.

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

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