Four suspects arrested for being in possession and selling lion’s parts, in Rustenburg
MEC for the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism Mme Kenetswe Mosenogi applauded the South African Police Service (SAPS) for the swift arrest of suspects found in possession of and selling lion’s body parts including paws, in Rustenburg yesterday.
This follows the recent gruesome killing by poisoning and mutilation of several lions last week at Predator Rock farm, situated outside Swartruggens.
“We applaud the SAPS as well as our Biodiversity Law Enforcement Officers for the great work towards the arrest, and also ensuring charges are brought against the three African males and one female. The suspects are now apprehended for contravening Section 57(1) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, Act 10 of 2004 (NEMBA) for being in possession and selling of four(04) lion paws, said MEC Mosenogi.
The lions are listed as vulnerable species in terms of the Section 56(1) of NEMBA. Additionally they are protected under Appendix ii of the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES)
A docket was opened with Boitekong Police Station yesterday and suspects will appear at court today at Rustenburg Magistrate Court.
The investigation will continue to determine any link to the last week senseless killing and butchering of lions at Predator Rock Farm outside Swartruggens.
The Department urged community members to report any illegal activities of selling of the animal parts that they might witness in their areas.
For more information:
Dumisa Seshabela
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 079 522 7375
E-mail: dseshabela@nwpg.gov.za
