SUSPECTS APPEARED IN COURT FOR ATTEMPTED SALE OF LION CUBS

Stolen Lion Cubs

By: Neo Ntsele

Elias Moloi (36) and Mokete Elizabeth Dikoko (51), a police administration clerk at Bothaville SAPS, appeared in the Bothaville Magistrates Court on 7 April 2026 for allegedly violating the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004.

They were arrested along with a 14-year-old minor on Thursday, 2 April 2026, in Bothaville while attempting to sell four lion cubs at a price of R100,000 each.

Members of the Hawks in Welkom responded to information regarding individuals selling lion cubs.

A police operation was swiftly organized and executed by the Hawks, Tactical Response Team, Local Criminal Record Centre, Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, and officials from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Four lion cubs were recovered and returned to their rightful owner in Viljoenskroon, from where they had been stolen.

Dikoko has been released on bail and is also undergoing internal SAPS disciplinary procedures.

Moloi remains in custody and is set to return to court on 9 April 2026 to apply for bail.

The case concerning the minor has been referred to the Department of Social Development.