NATIONAL NEWS - CapeNature has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of a Cape Town couple found guilty of multiple wildlife-related offences involving the unlawful keeping, possession and transport of reptiles.
Mr Zirkie Bernardus Jansen and Mrs Valerie Gayle Simpson-Jansen, of Kirstenhof, were each sentenced by the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on 30 July to pay a R40 000 fine or face 18 months’ imprisonment after being convicted on seven counts under the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974.
The convictions relate to offences committed in March 2022, when the couple were found to have unlawfully kept and transported 95 reptile specimens without the required permits and authorisations.
The animals included species such as crested geckos, New Caledonian geckos, gargoyle geckos and ball pythons.
The court also found the couple guilty of failing to comply with permit conditions, failing to provide a satisfactory account for the possession of certain animals, and submitting false information in connection with a wild animal permit application.
CapeNature said unlawful captivity, transport and trade in wildlife are serious environmental crimes that threaten biodiversity conservation and undermine the province’s wildlife permitting system.
Two Ball Pythons found during the execution of the search warrant.
The permitting system ensures that the acquisition, possession, breeding, transport and trade of wildlife takes place responsibly and legally, while helping to prevent illegal wildlife trafficking.
CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo said the conviction sends a strong message that non-compliance with conservation legislation will not be tolerated.
“The unlawful trade and keeping of wildlife undermines biodiversity conservation, threatens the integrity of our regulatory systems and places law-abiding permit holders at a disadvantage. We welcome the court’s decision and trust that it sends a clear message that deliberate non-compliance with conservation legislation will have consequences.”
The Western Cape is internationally recognised for its exceptional biodiversity, and CapeNature said effective enforcement of conservation laws remains essential to protecting the province’s unique natural heritage.
One of the Crested Geckos found during the execution of the search warrant.
Members of the public who wish to acquire, keep, transport, capture, release or trade in wildlife are reminded that these activities are regulated by law and generally require permits issued by CapeNature.
Permit holders are also required to comply fully with permit conditions and provide accurate information when submitting applications.
Reptile enclosures found during execution of search warrant.
CapeNature continues to address wildlife crime through compliance monitoring, investigations and collaboration with the South African Police Service Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, as well as the National Prosecuting Authority.
Residents can report wildlife crime to their nearest police station, CapeNature on 087 087 9262, or the Crime Stop Tip-Off Line on 08600 10 111.
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