Potchefstroom — A trio of male suspects between the ages of 20 and 35 are expected to appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on Monday for being in possession of a Nile crocodile that was stolen from a crocodile farm in Hartebeesfontein.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh, the accused were in contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004), and were apprehended on Thursday afternoon, 20 April 2023.
Stilfontein Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit members received information that the crocodile had been stolen.
“Immediate follow-up in conjunction with Nature Conservation officials, led the team to an abandoned farm house where a 2,5m long Nile crocodile valued at R25 000-00 was discovered hidden under tree branches.
“The suspects were arrested and Police also seized a vehicle (bakkie) that was used in the commission of the crime. The crocodile was then returned to its rightful owner,” Myburgh said.
#sapsNW 3 Male suspects between the ages of 20 and 35, are expected to appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court today for contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, crocodile recovered. #EnviroCrimes MEhttps://t.co/cvl9ULC5uC pic.twitter.com/HZXmqJowoV
— SA Police Service ?? (@SAPoliceService) April 24, 2023
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Compiled by Junaid Benjamin
