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

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

Commenting on the rescue of the animal, police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba remarked: “On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, around 19:30, SANDF personnel were performing routine patrols along the Limpopo River near the Groblersbrug Border Post when they spotted a male suspect arriving from Botswana.”

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

Colonel Ledwaba emphasized that the suspect, who crossed the river illegally without authorization, was unable to offer a legitimate explanation concerning the pangolin’s origin.

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

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

This national from Botswana is now facing charges for possessing 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 hearing 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, and its scales are valued at over R51,000 per kilogram.

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

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