The four lion cubs were stolen and the suspects attempted to sell each one for R100,000.
Image: Hawks
A SAPS administrative clerk and a 36-year-old man have been charged with attempting to sell lion cubs.
Mokete Elizabeth Dikoko, 51, attached to the Bothaville SAPS, and Elias Moloi, 36, appeared in the Bothaville Magistrate’s Court in the Free State, charged with Contravention of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act.
The duo was arrested alongside a 14-year-old minor on Thursday, April 2.
The suspects were arrested by members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as Hawks).
The provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, Lieutenant Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli, said the suspects were attempting to sell the four lion cubs for R100,000 each.
The lion cubs were confirmed to be stolen.
“Members of the Hawks in Welkom reacted to information about people who were selling lion cubs."
She said a police operation was immediately arranged and executed.
"Four lion cubs were recovered and returned to the lawful owner in Viljoenskroon, where they had been stolen."
Moloi is expected to apply for bail on Thursday, April 9, while co-accused Dikoko has been released on bail.
Dikoko will also be subjected to an internal SAPS disciplinary process.
The matter relating to the minor has been referred to the Department of Social Development.
IOL