Members of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Environmental Management Inspectors, more commonly known as the Green Scorpions, have confiscated a number of reptiles that were allegedly being smuggled from Gauteng to KZN using PostNet.

The parcel confiscated on Wednesday last week, contained Sungazer lizards and a venomous cobra as well as another type of girdled lizard and two indigenous skinks.

Two men were arrested after they tried to smuggle live reptiles from Pretoria to KZN via PostNet.

The two people were charged for the illegal possession, transport and illegal trade in species listed in terms of the Threatened or Protected Species regulations under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004.

Following the arrest of the men at the PostNet branch in Pretoria, their home was searched by the Green Scorpions, supported by the SAPS K9 Unit.

A total of 19 reptiles and amphibians were seized during the searches.

These included African bullfrogs and an African rock python, which are listed on the Threatened or Protected Species List. Other reptiles found on the premises are listed in terms of the Gauteng provincial nature conservation ordinance.

The accused, Barend Johan Coetzee (28) and Xander Aylward 19, appeared in the Cullinan District Court Friday last week. They were both released on bail and the matter was postponed to March 30 for further investigation.

The department applauded members of the public who assist in reporting any suspicious activity that could be linked to wildlife crime.