Suspect in court for possession of endangered species

NORTH WEST – John Mosikare (37) has on Tuesday, 19 November 2024 appeared before the Tshidilamolomo Magistrates Court facing charges of possession of endangered species in terms of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004.

On Friday, 15 November 2024, the members of Mahikeng based Serious Organised Crime Investigation received information about a person who was hunting illegally. The information was operationalised and in collaboration with members of Mahikeng Tactical Response Team, the suspect’s house located at Moshawane village near Tshidilamolomo was searched.

During the search, four (4) animal paws and a leopard carcass were found. The suspect did not have a permit to possess any animal species. He was subsequently apprehended. He appeared before court and was released on R300-00 bail. The matter was postponed to 21 February 2025 for further investigation.

The North West Acting Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari lauded the investigation and prosecution team, they have cautioned the public against engaging in illegal hunting of wild life as it poses a threat to endangered species.