Four stolen lion cubs were recovered during a Hawks operation after suspects allegedly attempted to sell them for R100,000 each. Picture Credit: lpzoo
By Aisha Zardad
Free State — A South African Police Service administrative clerk and a 36-year-old man have appeared in court after allegedly attempting to sell stolen lion cubs for R100,000 each.
Mokete Elizabeth Dikoko, 51, who is attached to the Bothaville police station, and Elias Moloi, 36, appeared in the Bothaville Magistrate’s Court in the Free State on charges linked to the contravention of environmental legislation.
The pair were arrested alongside a 14-year-old minor on April 2 during an operation led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.
Provincial Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli said the suspects had been attempting to sell four lion cubs, each priced at R100,000.
“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.”
Authorities confirmed the cubs had been taken unlawfully before being recovered during the sting operation.
Moloi is expected to apply for bail on April 9, while Dikoko has already been released on bail. Dikoko is also expected to face internal disciplinary proceedings within the South African Police Service.
The matter involving the minor has been referred to the Department of Social Development.
