Man (74) arrested for illegally dealing in cycads worth R219 900
Hawks members from Port Shepstone Serious Organised Crime Investigation was involved in the Pietermaritzburg arrest.
A man (74) was arrested for dealing in endangered plants without a permit at a residence in Hayfields, Pietermaritzburg on Monday this week.
The Hawks members from Port Shepstone Serious Organised Crime Investigation working together with Crime Intelligence, Ezemvelo Wildlife and Durban Metro Police conducted a follow-up investigation after the arrest of Cebo Mpanza (24) in Lamontville two weeks ago.
Hawks spokesperson, Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo said they continued with their investigation and pursued his supplier.
They proceeded to Hayfields where an undercover operation was conducted.
The elderly man was found in possession of 416 cycad plants and he failed to produce a permit.
The street value of the seized plants is about R129 900.
He was arrested and charged for dealing in specially protected indigenous plants without a permit.
He appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on February 21.
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