During a disruptive operation on 6 March 2014 between the SAPS and the Department Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, in the CBD of Bloemfontein a shop selling Threatened and Protected Species (TOPS) was searched.
In terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 10 of 2004 no one is allowed to carry out restricted activities with TOPS listed species. These include selling, receiving, put up for sale etc.
The owner Mr. Charles Kenny was apprehended in Mngomezulu traditional healer in Hanger street Bloemfontein. He was not in possession of a permit to sell various TOPS species including Cycads, Crocodile, lion and Python parts.
He was sentenced in the regional court in Bloemfontein as follow:
Count 1: Trade in TOPS species: 36 months house arrest of which the first six months is High risk, 576 hours community service, must include a programme in Nature conservation and a further R100 000 or 2 years imprisonment of which half is suspended for 4 years,
Count 2: Possession of wild animals fish or plants without documentation Ord 8 of 1969:
R5000 or 6 months imprisonment which is wholly suspended for 4 years,
Count 3: Advertising or put up for sale of CITES listed specimens:
R20 000 or 1 year imprisonment wholly suspended for 4 years.
Mr. Kenny already had a suspended sentence of R500 000 or 5 years imprisonment wholly suspended for 4 years.
For more information please contact: Festy Nyamate
Tel: 051 400 9548
E-mail: nyamatef@detea.fs.gov.za
Thandeka Thabethe
Tel: 051 400 9544/9631
E-mail: thabethet@detea.fs.gov.za
