Mpumalanga – A 48-year-old man was arrested in Mpumalanga on Monday, 14 July, 2024, for allegedly selling protected wildlife without a permit.
The suspect was apprehended during a joint operation between the Hawks’ Nelspruit-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit and Parksboard officials.
According to authorities, the man was found in possession of four Barn Owls, which he was reportedly selling for R1,000 each at a local shopping complex, a statement said.
The suspect was caught red-handed after Parksboard officials alerted the Hawks, prompting the coordinated sting.
“The Hawks were alerted by the Parksboard officials, and a joint operation was conducted whereby the suspect was found red-handed with the owls without a permit.
“The vehicle, a Nissan Light Delivery Vehicle (LDV) that was used to transport the wildlife, was seized, and the animals were handed over to Parksboard,” read the statement.
#MediaAlert . MEDIA STATEMENT DIRECTORATE FOR PRIORITY CRIME INVESTIGATION (HAWKS)
14 JULY 2025
SUSPECT ARESTED FOR UNLAWFULLY OFFERING OWLS FOR SALE
MPUMALANGA: Hawks Nelspruit based Serious Organised Crime Investigation seized a vehicle, and a 48 year old suspect was…
— GCIS_Mpumalanga (@GCISMpumalanga) July 14, 2025
The suspect is expected to appear before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 15 August 2025. He faces charges under the Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act related to the unlawful keeping and conveyance of live game.
The Acting Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga, Brigadier Danie Hall, condemned the incident and called on the public to report similar crimes.
“Wildlife is part of our heritage, and we have a duty to protect it. When we take care of our wildlife, we safeguard our heritage for future generations,” Hall said
