North West Man Receives Six-Year Sentence for Pangolin Possession

In a landmark judgment underscoring South Africa's commitment to the protection of endangered species, 59-year-old Kabelo Jantjies was handed a six-year imprisonment term by the Atamelang Magistrates' Court on charges of illegal possession of a pangolin. This sentence reflects the seriousness with which South African authorities are treating crimes against biodiversity.

On a day poised to echo the rigorous application of the National Environment Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) 10 of 2004, the North West court wielded its authority on 28 August 2024, underlining the legal repercussions of contravening established wildlife protection statutes. The accused faced an alternative to his custodial sentence, a hefty R30 000 fine, in line with the legal provisions for such environmental offences.

The conviction of Jantjies was the culmination of steadfast efforts by the Mahikeng-based Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team who, in September 2023, acted on intelligence regarding the suspect's illegal activities in Setlagole village. Demonstrating due diligence and swift action, the Hawks managed to secure a search and unearth the concealed pangolin in the boot of an old vehicle on Jantjies' premises. The immediate apprehension for illegal possession of endangered species marked the beginning of what would be an exhaustive judicial process leading to a decisive outcome.

Adding a conditional element to the sentence, the court ruled that half of the fine would be suspended for five years, conditional on the accused's future conduct. This part of the judgment serves as a probational deterrence, ensuring that Jantjies refrains from further infringing on laws that protect South Africa's precious wildlife.

The proactive stance of both the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), as emphasized by Major General Patrick Mbotho of the North West Hawks and Dr. Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, reflects a unifying dedication to preserving biodiversity. Their combined efforts have sent a clear signal to would-be perpetrators that the illegal wildlife trade will be met with the full force of the law.

Authorities are putting forth a message that conservation and respect for the environment are not just moral obligations but are enforceable mandates within South Africa's jurisdiction. The result of the hearing is not just a victory for wildlife protection, but it also operates as a symbol of hope for these often voiceless victims of illegal trade.