Three male suspects between the ages of 20 and 35, are expected to appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on 24 April 2023, for contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004).
The accused’s court appearance emanates from their apprehension on Thursday afternoon, 20 April 2023, after Stilfontein Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit members received information that a Nile crocodile was stolen from a crocodile farm in Hartbeesfontein.
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.
The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the police officers, Nature Conservation officials, farmers and members of the community for their respective collaborations that led to these successes.
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