Three of our members played an important role in rescuing a pangolin from the illegal trade and ensuring the smugglers got sentenced for eight years this month. Our branch manager for Hardekool branch, Jan Krijt was the prosecutor in the case and Francois Meyer, the branch conservation coordinator and expert in pangolin conservation, served as expert witness in the case and was also responsible for the successful release of the pangolin onto the game ranch of Howard Knott, also a member of SA Hunters.
The two illegal immigrants smuggled an elephant tusk and life pangolin and offered both for sale near Beit Bridge in November 2022. Although thinking they were meeting a buyer, they were arrested by Captain Willie Taute and Sgt. Gafane, of the Musina Stock Theft and endangered Species Unit (STES) instead. The perpetrators were taken into custody and Maruti, the pangolin, was confiscated.
Her condition was critical, but she became a strong, fat, and feisty girl under the expert care of Dr. Debbie Coetzee from Hoedspruit Animal Hospital. Umoya Khulula Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre with Emma de Jager continued with Maruti’s rehabilitation. Maruti was then released into the care of Francois Meyer, co-chair of the IUCN Pangolin Specialist Group, who ensured her safe release back into the wild in 2023
This success story is a clear example of how collaboration between various role-players can result in success. Officials from SAPS, LEDET, The State Prosecuting Authority in Musina together with dedicated members of ProVet, Umoya Khulula Wildlife Centre and SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association worked together as a team towards a common goal – Maruti is back in the wild and the perpetrators in jail.
