Gantsi siblings caught with elephant tusk
Pini Bothoko | Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:09
Gantsi Police Station commander, Superintendent Motlamedi George, said the suspects have been charged with unlawful possession of ivory, contrary to Botswana's wildlife conservation laws.
He explained that the two are currently in police custody whilst investigations continue. George added that brothers are expected to appear before the Gantsi Magistrate’s Court soon for arraignment.
The police chief dismissed the suspects' explanation that they had merely picked up the tusk after finding it in the bush, stressing that the law is clear regarding the possession of elephant ivory.
'There is no one who does not know that possessing an elephant tusk is an offence. Claiming that it was found abandoned in the bush is not a valid excuse,' George said when confirming the incident.
Following the arrest, Police have urged members of the public who come across elephant tusks or any other wildlife trophies not to remove or keep them.
Instead, they have been advised to immediately report the matter to the law enforcement officers or relevant wildlife authorities.
Investigations into the case are continuing.