A Limpopo man, George Marawidzi, 60, has been convicted and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment or an R10,000 fine for illegal possession of a pangolin.
He was sentenced on Thursday in the Phalaborwa regional court in Limpopo.
Marawidzi was arrested in May last year after the Hawks’ serious organized crime investigation unit received a tip-off about a person who was allegedly on his way to sell a pangolin in Hoedspruit.
Limpopo Hawks spokesperson W/O Lethunya Mmuroa said a sting operation involving the Hawks, CIC National Security, D-Dass, and Hoedspruit Farmawatch was conducted.
“Without wasting time, the team followed up on the information, and a suspicious vehicle was spotted in Gravelotte. On stopping and searching the suspicious vehicle, the team found a pangolin hidden in the boot inside a bag,” said Mmuroa.
He said the accused failed to produce a permit for being in possession of a pangolin and was immediately arrested for possession of an endangered species.
He was taken to court and released on bail of R5,000.
“The case was thoroughly investigated by the Hawks until the accused was convicted and sentenced,” said Mmuroa.
-TL
In other news – Touching: Shebeshxt attends daughter’s funeral in wheelchair – Pictures
Recovering controversial Limpopo rapper Shebeshxt was wheelchaired to his daughter’s funeral on Saturday, 22 June. While the venue was heavily guarded by security personnel, the artist, surrounded by health workers and guards, entered the tent at Lebowakgomo Zone A with a tearful face.
The sobbing rapper, who remained seated in his wheelchair, had his oxygen tank plugged in while a drip wire was covering his nose and his drip placed on his lap. Read More
The post Alleged Limpopo pangolin dealer sentenced to 5 years in prison appeared first on News365.co.za.
Zim Instantly via Simplex Solutions