Two alleged reptile smugglers out on bail
Staff members at a Pretoria postal service store got the shock of their lives when a snake escaped from a parcel that was to be sent to KwaZulu-Natal.
Two men were released on bail after appearing in the Cullinan District Court on February 10.
The accused, Barend (Johan) Coetzee (28) and Xander Aylward (19), were arrested for trying to smuggle venomous snakes, lizards and other reptiles through the mail.
Staff members at a Pretoria postal service store got the shock of their lives on February 8 when a snake escaped from one of the parcels that were to be sent to KwaZulu-Natal.
South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (SAWRC) spokesperson Shawn Hefer said it was an eventful and productive day for the centre.
“The plea for assistance reached our Pretoria snake removal group and one of our dedicated permitted rescuers, made her way through to the post-service premises.”
He said on arrival the quick-thinking wildlife rescuer sought help once she realised what she was dealing with.
“While waiting for the authorities, the senders of the parcel arrived back at the post branch, as they had been contacted regarding a snake that had escaped from one of the parcels which he had dropped off.
The Department of Environmental spokesperson Albi Modise said the two were arrested on arrival.
Modise said inspectors of the Green Scorpions also confiscated several reptiles that were allegedly being smuggled from Gauteng to KZN using postal services.
The parcels confiscated contained Sungazer lizards, a venomous cobra, African bullfrogs, an African rock python, another type of girdled lizard and two indigenous skinks.
He said following the arrest of the men, their home was also searched by the Green Scorpions, supported by the SAPS K9 unit.
“A total of 19 reptiles and amphibians were seized.”
Modise said the reptiles and amphibians were 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.”
He said the two men were arrested on charges of the illegal possession, transport and illegal trade of species listed in terms of the Threatened or Protected Species regulations under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Nemba).
The matter has been postponed to March 30 for further investigation.
Modise said the department applauded members of the public who assisted in reporting any suspicious activity that could be linked to wildlife crime..
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
