Hawks arrest Motswana with lion bones, live cheetah

A Botswana national is expected in the dock of the Kuruman Magistrate’s Court in the Northern Cape on Monday after he allegedly attempted to sell a live cheetah, as well as lion bones.

Hawks spokesperson Nomthandazo Mnisi in a statement said the 42-year-old suspect was arrested on Friday for illegal activities involving protected species.

“[This] following a disruptive operation after information surfaced that the suspect intends to sell a live cheetah and lion bones to a potential buyer in South Africa,” Mnisi said.

“[A] transaction was arranged with the suspect and he was found in possession of [a] live cheetah and lion bones when confronted by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime [unit], Kuruman Stock Theft, and Kuruman Highway Patrol.” The estimated value of the cheetah and the lion bones is R400 000, according to Mnisi.

“The cheetah received medical attention and will be kept at a sanctuary for rehabilitation.”