THREE men have found themselves in hot water after they were caught in possession of a pangolin.
They allegedly planned to sell the pangolin for R200 000.
But cops received information about the suspect's plan to sell the pangolin at a mall in Mafikeng, North West and set a trap for them.
Police spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula, said: “The team pounced on the suspects and found them in possession of a pangolin. They were arrested and charged with wildlife trafficking and contravening the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity, 2004 (Act 10 of 2004).
“The vehicle and three cellphones were seized for further investigation."
He said the men, aged 27, 34 and 42 were arrested and appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrates Court on Monday, 12 June.
Pangolins are one of the most trafficked mammals in Asia and Africa and are in high demand in countries like China and Vietnam.
ALSO READ : 'My wife wants me DEAD!' - sangoma
Their meat is considered a delicacy, while their scales are used in traditional medicine.
But Sangoma Solly Mathebula said pangolins are also used for luck.
“Most people use its oil and the insides, they call it mogodu, they mix them with muthi for luck. The pangolin is an animal to bring luck. Most people with businesses keep it as a pet, especially wealthy white people.
“This is from a Nigerian practice. And it’s not only izangoma and wealthy people who use it, pastors who perform miracles also use it. Also, it’s not dangerous for humans, but by nature, you don’t keep it as a pet. And it should come to you, not that you look for it,” he said.
He said said the arrested suspects were going to sell the pangolin cheap.
“Mostly it goes for R700 000 to R1 million,” said Mathebula.
