ILLEGAL CROCODILE TRADE

Brits – Two suspects, aged 32 and 28, were arrested on Saturday 14 September at Rooikoppies, close to Brits, for the possession and transportation of 13 crocodiles worth R40,000.

They appeared before the Brits Magistrates’ Court on Monday 16 September.
According to police spokesperson Maria Nkabinde, the suspects – Trevious Shumba and Tavina Bulabula – are employees at a local farm in the area.

Reports state that while the suspects were in the process of selling crocodiles, the buyer was unhappy with the price and alerted the owner. 

The police were notified and the duo were intercepted and charged with contravention of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity (Nemba) Act (Act  No 10 of 2004), for possession and transportation of crocodiles without a permit. 

They are expected to re-appear before the same court on Monday, 23 September for a formal bail application.