Conservation Watch: Seshego Community Aids in Arrest of Two Individuals for Pangolin Trafficking

In a notable display of community vigilance, two foreign national females aged 37 and 44 were arrested in Seshego, a locality on the outskirts of Polokwane, South Africa, for attempting to trade an endangered pangolin. Poised to transact the animal for R125,000, the duo was intercepted on Friday, 12 July 2024, thanks to quick action by local community members and law enforcement.

Members of the Seshego community demonstrated their commitment to wildlife protection by providing the police with actionable intelligence regarding the illicit sale. In a coordinated operation, officers from Visible Policing and the Department of Environmental Affairs carried out a sting operation at a Greenside location in the Seshego extension area. The team's effort was successful, culminating in the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the deceased pangolin.

The incident underscores the significant threat posed to these rare mammals by wildlife trafficking. Pangolins, often referred to as "scaly anteaters," are considered the world's most trafficked non-human mammals. Their scales are highly prized in traditional medicine and their meat considered a delicacy in some cultures, which has led to a sharp decline in their numbers and subsequent classification as an endangered species.

The illegal trade of pangolins and their body parts has been implicated in violating the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 in South Africa. The women implicated in this case are now facing dire legal consequences and are scheduled to make a court appearance at the Seshego Magistrate’s Court on the 15th of July 2024. They will be formally charged for contravening this Act which serves to protect a wide array of biodiversity including threatened and endangered wildlife such as the pangolin.

While the police pursue further lines of enquiry in the ongoing investigation, the proactive stance of Seshego’s community and its collaboration with law enforcement agencies highlights a pivotal moment in the local fight against wildlife crime. It also serves as a reminder that the survival of species at risk of extinction requires public awareness and intervention alongside dedicated conservation efforts.

Law enforcement authorities have commended the public for their instrumental role in the arrest and encourage continued community cooperation in the battle against the illegal wildlife trade. The importance of the community in safeguarding endangered species cannot be overstated, as public alertness can often be the difference between the life and death of these imperiled animals.