A poacher has been sentenced to eight years in prison for the death of a pregnant pangolin, Naledi, and her unborn baby.
Johannesburg, South Africa (29 May 2026) – Three years ago, a young female Temminck’s pangolin arrived at the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in one of the worst conditions they had ever seen.
Her name was Naledi. She had been confiscated during a SAPS operation linked to the illegal wildlife trade, and by the time she reached the hospital, she was severely dehydrated, starving, emaciated, and already in kidney failure. Her body condition score was 1 out of 5.
During her examination, the team made a heartbreaking discovery. Naledi was pregnant. Her unborn baby was already compromised from prolonged starvation and stress.
Despite intensive treatment, fluid therapy, and around-the-clock care, Naledi succumbed to her condition just five days later.
The team didn’t only lose Naledi, they lost her unborn baby too. An entire future generation, gone forever because of greed and the illegal wildlife trade.
For three years, the case worked its way through the courts. And this week, that wait ended.
“Today, in the North West Molopo Regional Court, Naledi’s poacher was sentenced to 8 years direct imprisonment in what is being described as a precedent-setting case for the North West Province. In addition, his vehicle — valued at approximately R800 000 — was forfeited to the State.”
The sentence sends a powerful message that wildlife crime is not a harmless offence. It causes immense suffering, destruction, and loss, says the organisation.
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the North West Province Nature Conservation officials for their dedication to this case, and a very special thank you to State Advocate Bennie Kalakgosi for his tireless efforts — not only in Naledi’s case, but in the many wildlife crime cases he oversees. These convictions do not happen without passionate people fighting behind the scenes for animals that cannot speak for themselves.”
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Local Ocean Champion Zoë Prinsloo Takes Her Mission Global!Cases like Naledi’s are emotionally devastating for the team at the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital, but their work does not go unnoticed. Outcomes like this prove that every effort in the fight against illegal wildlife trade, to protect our pangolins, is worth it.
If you’d like to stand beside them in that fight, you can support the hospital’s work treating, rehabilitating and advocating for South Africa’s wildlife victims by donating here.
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