Botswana man arrested after live pangolin found at Limpopo border

A 27-year-old Botswana citizen has been arrested after authorities allegedly found him in possession of a live pangolin, a specially protected wild animal, while he was crossing into South Africa.

He also faces a charge of contravening the Immigration Act 13 of 2002.

SANDF members intercept suspect at border

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members spotted the man on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, at about 19:30 while conducting routine patrols along the Limpopo River near the Groblersbrug Border Post.

The soldiers allegedly saw the suspect crossing the river from Botswana into South Africa and approached him.

When they asked him to produce his passport, he failed to provide one.

Live pangolin found in bag

During a search of his bag, SANDF members discovered a live pangolin inside.

The suspect could not provide a satisfactory explanation about where he obtained the protected animal or why he was in possession of it.

Authorities arrested him and handed him over to Tom Burke Border Policing.

The suspect, identified as Tholego Gaebolae, appeared before the Phalala Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 28 August 2026.

He faces charges of possessing a specially protected wild animal and violating the Immigration Act.

The court remanded him in custody and postponed the matter to 17 September 2026 for a formal bail application and further police investigations.

Authorities praise border patrol efforts

Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers commended the SANDF and SAPS members for their vigilance and cooperation in protecting South Africa’s borders and endangered wildlife.