Two arrested over suspected illegal game meat
Pini Bothoko | Tuesday July 7, 2026 12:13
According to police, officers acted on a tip-off from members of the public who reported seeing the suspects with suspicious quantities of meat.
Following the lead, law enforcement officers then rushed to the scene where they allegedly caught the duo red-handed in possession of fresh meat.
The suspects were unable to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding its origin.
Lekgwapheng Police Station commander, Superintendent Mothosera Busang, confirmed the incident.
He told The Monitor that the police suspect the meat is from a wild animal that may have been illegally poached, although investigations are still ongoing to establish the exact species.
'We suspect the meat belongs to a wild animal, but we are still waiting for experts to determine exactly which species it is,' said Busang.
He added that the Department of Veterinary Services has since seized the meat for examination and laboratory testing to establish its origin.
Busang further noted that Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) restrictions, which have limited access to red meat in some areas, could be contributing to an increase in illegal hunting activities.
'Since red meat is no longer easily accessible due to the ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease restrictions, we suspect some people may have resorted to poaching to satisfy the demand for meat,' he explained.
The two suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue, and they are expected to appear before Molepolole Magistrate's Court once investigations are complete.