Key facts
- Four suspects were arrested in South Africa's Free State province.
- The suspects were allegedly attempting to sell an endangered pangolin for R80,000 ($5,000).
- Charges include contravening the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act and the Animals Protection Act.
- The pangolin was handed over to authorities for safekeeping.
Four individuals, aged between 47 and 62, have been arrested in South Africa's Free State province for allegedly attempting to sell an endangered pangolin for R80,000 ($5,000). The suspects are expected to appear in the Welkom Magistrate's Court. They face charges related to contravening the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act and the Animals Protection Act. The operation was conducted by members of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation team and Welkom's Anti-Gang Unit, acting on intelligence. The pangolin, a solitary, nocturnal mammal covered in tough keratin scales, is considered the world's most heavily trafficked wild mammal, sought for its meat and scales used in traditional medicine. Authorities confirmed the pangolin was secured for safekeeping.