Six suspects found themselves on the wrong side of the law when police foiled their holiday plans. In one incident, police officers in Springbok arrested two suspects for the illegal possession of poisonous insects like scorpions. The suspects face charges for the illegal possession of endangered species, specifically around 100 scorpions valued at approximately R160 000.
Police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers reported that the suspects include a 30-year-old man from Bergsig and a 37-year-old man from Okiep, near Springbok. They were arrested during an operation in the Springbok area, following an investigation into their alleged attempt to smuggle a significant number of protected scorpions. Through diligent police work and follow-up investigations, the suspects were apprehended.
It is estimated that endangered scorpions cost between R1 600 to R3 000 on the black market. The two, along with a third suspect from South Africa and a Taiwanese citizen, have since appeared in the Springbok Court.
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