Man released on R300 bail after he was found with animal paws & leopard carcass! A 37-year-old man, John Mosikare, has been arrested and charged with possession of endangered species after an operation led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).
Mosikare appeared before the Tshidilamolomo Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where he faced charges under the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act.
Hawks Operation Leads to Arrest
Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse, detailed how the arrest unfolded.
Acting on information regarding illegal hunting activities, the Mahikeng-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit collaborated with the Mahikeng Tactical Response Team to conduct a search of Mosikare’s home in Moshawane village near Tshidilamolomo.
“The information was operationalised, and during the search, four animal paws and a leopard carcass were discovered,” said Malwetse.
Mosikare was found to be in possession of these items without the required permits, leading to his immediate arrest.
Court Appearance and Bail
Mosikare made his first court appearance on charges of illegal possession of endangered species. He was granted bail of R300, and the matter has been postponed to February 21, 2025, for further investigation.
Authorities continue to emphasize the severity of crimes related to the illegal possession and trade of wildlife.
Authorities Commend Investigative Efforts
In response to the successful operation, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, North West Acting Head of the Hawks, and Dr. Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, praised the investigative and prosecutorial teams for their swift action.
In a joint statement, Munzhedzi and Makhari cautioned community members against illegal hunting, emphasizing the impact on endangered species:
“The illegal hunting of wildlife poses a severe threat to biodiversity and endangered species. Such activities undermine conservation efforts and will not be tolerated.”
Similar Cases of Illegal Wildlife Trade
The arrest of Mosikare is the latest in a string of operations targeting illegal wildlife activities in South Africa. Earlier this month, a 59-year-old man, Neo Tongwane, faced consequences for his involvement in the illegal trade of a pangolin, a critically endangered species.
In July 2023, Tongwane and three others were arrested during a buy-and-bust operation in Kuruman, Northern Cape. The operation, led by the Hawks and the Tactical Response Team (TRT), uncovered an attempt to sell a pangolin illegally.
“The matter was referred to the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), which successfully applied for the forfeiture of Tongwane’s Mercedes-Benz,” said Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi.
The high court in Kimberley granted a final forfeiture order for the vehicle, valued at approximately R150,000, as part of the penalties imposed on Tongwane.
The Broader Fight Against Wildlife Crime
The illegal trade in wildlife remains a significant challenge in South Africa, driven by high demand for animal parts in both local and international markets. This trade poses a severe threat to biodiversity and conservation efforts, particularly for species such as leopards and pangolins.
Authorities have ramped up their efforts to combat this issue, using intelligence-driven operations and collaborating across various law enforcement agencies.
Brigadier Munzhedzi reaffirmed the Hawks’ commitment to tackling wildlife crimes:
“Operations like these highlight the importance of preserving endangered species and ensuring that perpetrators face the full might of the law.”
Community Awareness and Responsibility
Authorities have also called for increased public awareness regarding the importance of protecting endangered species. Communities are urged to report suspicious activities and avoid involvement in illegal hunting and trade, which carries severe legal consequences.
As investigations into Mosikare’s case continue, law enforcement agencies remain steadfast in their efforts to dismantle networks involved in wildlife crimes. The ongoing success of operations like these demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative approaches in preserving South Africa’s rich biodiversity.
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