A 27-year-old Botswana citizen has been remanded in custody after being arrested for possession of a live pangolin, a specially protected wild animal, and for contravening the Immigration Act.
The suspect, identified as Tholego Gaebolae, was apprehended on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, at approximately 19:30. Members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) were conducting routine patrol duties along the Limpopo River near the Groblersbrug Border Post when they spotted a male individual crossing the river from Botswana into South Africa.
Discovery of the protected animal
SANDF members confronted the man and requested his passport, which he could not produce. A search of his bag revealed a live pangolin, classified as a Specially Protected Wild Animal. He was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the animal's origin or his possession of it. He was immediately arrested and handed over to Tom Burke Border Policing.
Court appearance and remand
Gaebolae appeared in the Phalala Magistrate's Court on Friday, 28 August 2026. He faces charges of possession of a Specially Protected Wild Animal and contravention of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002. The court remanded him in custody and postponed the matter to 17 September 2026 for a formal bail application and further police investigations.
Official commendation
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers has praised the SANDF and the South African Police Service for their vigilance and effective collaboration in safeguarding the country's borders and protecting endangered wildlife species.