Two pangolins rescued from car at Rustenburg mall

Four suspects were arrested after police found two live pangolins in a car boot at Waterfall Mall in Rustenburg on 4 November, according to a police account carried by Arrive Alive.

The suspects, aged between 38 and 51, were arrested for alleged unlawful possession of endangered species. Officers intercepted a white BMW after receiving intelligence about a possible sale of the animals.

Police said the car displayed false registration plates and was seized for investigation. Officials from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment took the pangolins into safekeeping.

The operation involved police teams from Ivory Park and North West, including K9 and tactical-response officers, alongside private security personnel.

The police account said investigators were examining the suspected network. It listed a planned Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court appearance for 6 November. The material reviewed for this report does not confirm the outcome of that appearance.