BARRAGE – A 60-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly being found in possession of four wild cats, including two caracals and two serval cats, without the required permits.

The pensioner was arrested last week during an integrated operation in Barrage following information about the alleged illegal keeping of endangered species.

According to Barrage SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Sophia Gaboutlwelwe, members of the Sedibeng Stock Theft Unit teamed up with officials from the Gauteng Department of Environment, Johannesburg Zoo and Lory Park Zoo to follow up on the information.

“Members conducted an integrated operation and followed up on the information received,” she said.

Gaboutlwelwe said the man could not produce the required documentation or permits authorising him to keep the animals.

He was subsequently arrested for possession of endangered species in contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), Act 10 of 2004, and the Gauteng Nature Conservation Ordinance 12 of 1983.

The suspect was detained at Barrage Police Station and is expected to appear in court soon.

Gaboutlwelwe said the four animals were handed over to the relevant authorities for safekeeping.