SAPS clerk charged over attempt to sell lion cubs
JOHANNESBURG - A Police administrative clerk and a 36-year-old man have appeared in court after attempting to sell four stolen lion cubs for R100,000 each.
The two and a 14-year-old minor were arrested on Thursday.
51-year-old Mokete Elizabeth Dikoko, who is attached to the Bothaville SAPS, and co-accused Elias Moloi appeared in the Bothaville Magistrate’s Court in the Free State.
They face charges under the Environmental Management Biodiversity Act.
The pair was arrested following a sting operation after authorities received information about the illegal sale.
The four lion cubs were confirmed to have been stolen.
They were recovered and returned to their lawful owner in Viljoenskroon.
Dikoko has been released on bail and faces internal disciplinary action from the police.
The minor has been referred to the Department of Social Development.