Johannesburg – Two live Nile crocodiles allegedly kept without permits for more than two years have been seized from a property in Springs, east of Johannesburg, following a multi-agency operation led by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the South African Police Service said members from Tshwane K9, the Gauteng Department of Environment, the Vereeniging Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital, and the Springs SPCA conducted a raid on Monday after receiving information about exotic animals being kept illegally.
Police said authorities suspected that two tortoises and two crocodiles were being housed on the property without the required permits. Investigators successfully applied for a search warrant, which was approved by the Springs Magistrate’s Court.
The joint team arrived at the residence at about 10am to execute the warrant. However, the property owner was not present at the time, and officers were allegedly escorted onto the premises by a manager linked to the owner’s company.
During the search, officials discovered a black steel enclosure measuring about 5.6 metres by 1.8 metres containing two live Nile crocodiles and a small blue splash pool.
According to SAPS, the crocodiles measured 1.48 metres and 1.7 metres respectively and had reportedly been kept there for more than two years. No tortoises were found on the property.
The reptiles were seized and handed over to the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital for treatment and temporary housing.
Police confirmed that a criminal case has been opened at SAPS Springs for contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act relating to the unlawful possession of threatened or protected species without a permit.
Investigations are continuing.
SAPS has urged members of the public intending to keep exotic animals or wildlife as pets to familiarise themselves with laws regulating protected species and the permits required for lawful ownership.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
