Two pangolins found in a BMW boot at Rustenburg mall as four arrested

Four people were arrested after two live pangolins were found in the boot of a car at a Rustenburg mall on Wednesday, South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a media statement.

The four, aged between 38 and 51, face charges of unlawful possession of endangered species. Police say they are expected to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 06 November 2026, under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 10 of 2004.

The operation at Waterfall Mall began with information received by Crime Intelligence Ivory Park about a group allegedly involved in the illegal trade of endangered species. According to the statement, the information indicated the suspects were carrying two female pangolins they intended to sell for approximately R500 000 each.

A cross-border, multidisciplinary team was assembled and sent to the area, made up of Crime Intelligence Ivory Park and North West, the SAPS Ivory Park Task Team, Phokeng K9, the Rustenburg Tactical Response Team and Safeguard Risk Services. The team took up observation in the mall parking lot.

A white BMW carrying the suspects entered the mall and was intercepted. Police say permission to search the vehicle was granted, and the two pangolins were found inside the boot. Questioned about the animals, the four could not give a reasonable explanation, the statement says, and were arrested.

The vehicle was also found to have false registration plates affixed to it and was seized for further investigation.

Members of the Rustenburg Local Criminal Record Centre and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment were called to the scene. The department took the two pangolins away for safekeeping. Police estimate the value of the animals at about R1 million.

Investigations are continuing to establish the suspects’ criminal network.

Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams, the Provincial Commissioner of the North West, commended the units involved for what the statement describes as their collaboration and swift action in rescuing the pangolins and arresting the suspects. He said SAPS remains committed to protecting the country’s endangered species and bringing those involved in wildlife crime to justice.

The statement was issued by Sergeant Kelebogile Morake of the SAPS Office of the Provincial Commissioner North West, and is available at https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=72261.