Collaboration between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Wildlife Crime Information Network (WCIN) – Cross-Border Investigations and Anti-Poaching Operations, led to the arrest of one suspect and the issuing of a fine to another individual following separate alleged incidents involving the illegal trade and possession of wildlife.
The integrated team shared intelligence relating to the illegal online trade of wildlife through social media platforms. This intelligence resulted in the arrest of the 30-year-old suspect in Reitz and the rescue of a leopard tortoise.
Information was received regarding a person who allegedly advertised a leopard tortoise for sale on a social media platform, Facebook Market. Following the intelligence received, the suspect was traced to his workplace in Reitz. He subsequently accompanied officials to his residence, where the leopard tortoise was found and rescued before it could allegedly be sold.
The suspect was arrested for allegedly being in possession of a protected wild animal without the required permits and for carrying out a restricted activity without the necessary authorisation, in contravention of Section 57(1) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004); and possession of a protected species.
The integrated team also shared information that led to the rescue of a jackal pup in Clarens. The animal had allegedly been kept in a house and advertised for sale online.
The 19-year-old male found in possession of the jackal pup was issued with a fine of R3 000-00 in terms of the Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance 8 of 1969, Section 40(1)(c).
These cases highlight the growing concern surrounding the illegal online trade in wildlife and demonstrate the importance of intelligence sharing and cooperation between law enforcement, conservation authorities, and wildlife crime organisations.
Members of the public are urged to familiarise themselves with the laws governing the possession, transport, and trade of wildlife. It is illegal to collect, possess, transport, or keep wild animals without the required permits or authorisation from the relevant provincial nature conservation authorities.
WeldMaster
Fun South African Fact: SA has three capital cities: Pretoria is the Executive Capital, Cape Town the Legislative Capital and Bloemfontein the judicial Capital.
Dez North
At the end of the school year and a mother asked his son if the exam questions were difficult. And he answers her saying “They weren’t bad at all,” it was the answers that gave me all the trouble.