Two hatchling southern rock pythons were confiscated on January 28, after the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MPTA) received a tip-off from the Wildlife Crime Information Network.

The founder of the non-profit organisation, Leon Rossouw, said a concerned resident called their hotline and reported that a python was kept illegally in a neighbour’s garage.

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Chris Hobkirk of the MTPA visited the property and the owner was co-operative. Hobkirk was, however, surprised when he found two pythons in the cage.

“They were in good condition and had water,” he said.

The homeowner told him that he had found the snakes in his garden and decided to keep them, not knowing that it was illegal.

As he was a first-time offender, he was let off with a warning.

“These animals are part of the CITES listed species, which means they are protected,” Hobkirk explained. The snakes were confiscated and later released into the wild.

Hobkirk warned residents that it is illegal to keep any indigenous animals without a permit.

“If you’d like to keep an indigenous animal, you need to apply for a permit from the MTPA,” he concluded.

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Wildlife crime and trafficking can be reported to the Wildlife Crime Information Network hotline on 079 643 9556.