Police say recent arrests of suspects caught in possession of wildlife illegally, is concerning.
In a statement, the police said these cases demonstrate the importance of intelligence sharing and cooperation between law enforcement, conservation authorities, and wildlife crime organisations.
A suspect was arrested for the illegal trade and possession of wildlife.
He was arrested by a collective initiative of the police (SAPS), the Wildlife Crime Information Network (WCIN) – Cross-Border Investigations and Anti-Poaching Operations.
The 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.
He is charged with the contravention of the Section 57(1) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004); and possession of a protected species.
Another 19-year old suspect was caught with a jackal pup in Clarens.
The animal had allegedly been kept in a house and advertised for sale online.
He was issued with a fine of R3,000 in terms of the Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance 8 of 1969, Section 40(1)(c).
Picture: SAPS newsroom.