Police thwart illegal wildlife trade in Springbok with scorpion arrests
ENDANGERED: An expensive skerpioen
Image: Supplied
Six suspects found themselves on the wrong side of the law when police foiled their holiday plans.
In one incident, police officers in Springbok arrested two suspects for the illegal possession of poisonous insects like scorpions.
The suspects face charges for the illegal possession of endangered species, specifically around 100 scorpions valued at approximately R160 000.
Police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers reported that the suspects include a 30-year-old man from Bergsig and a 37-year-old man from Okiep, near Springbok. They were arrested during an operation in the Springbok area, following an investigation into their alleged attempt to smuggle a significant number of protected scorpions.
Through diligent police work and follow-up investigations, the suspects were apprehended.
KERCHING: Ouens saw geld
Image: Supplied
It is estimated that endangered scorpions cost between R1 600 to R3 000 on the black market.
The two, along with a third suspect from South Africa and a Taiwanese citizen, have since appeared in the Springbok Court.
The suspects were charged under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004). They remain in custody until Monday, December 29, 2025.
Stolen sheep in Garies confiscated and the suspects vehicle was impounded.
Image: Supplied
In an unrelated incident, the quick action of the Garies cops led to the confiscation of illegal Christmas-slaughter from two cattle thieves.
According to Ehlers, six suspects (aged between 18 and 47) were arrested on Friday, December 19, for alleged cattle theft.
Ehlers said: “At around 8.20pm, Garies cops on routine vehicle patrol responded to information, earlier received. According to the information, a vehicle was transporting allegedly stolen cattle.
“The vehicle, which matched the description, was spotted and stopped”
During the search of the vehicle, five sheep (estimated street value of R10 000) were found in the back of the vehicle.
The occupants could not provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the ownership or origin of the cattle, according to Ehlers.
All six suspects were consequently arrested, and the vehicle was impounded.
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