Six warthogs were seized while being transported from a zone considered to have African Swine Fever (ASF), on Tuesday.
This was during an operation led by Ewan Botha, MEC of Environment in Gauteng, to enforce the possession and transportation of flora and fauna, and compliance with the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act and the Gauteng Nature Conservation Ordinance.
About eighty (80) game carcasses, were also uncovered, but later cleared when owners produced valid permits.
Botha said the operation occurs during South Africa’s hunting season, on the N1 near Hammanskraal, which is a key corridor connecting Gauteng to other provinces.
He also said in addition to the transportation of wildlife, the operation also targets plant species and unpermitted flora.
Gauteng is vulnerable to wildlife trafficking.
The police (SAPS Pretoria North Cluster), were also part of the operation, along with the Tshwane Metro Police, Cullinan Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, GD Environmental Management Inspectors, the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Veterinary and Enforcement Unit, Gauteng’s Nature Conservation Resource Protection as well as the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DAFF).
Picture: Supplied