Cape Town Couple Fined R80,000 for Illegal Reptile Collection
A Kirstenhof couple has been convicted and fined after being found guilty of multiple wildlife offences involving the illegal keeping, transport and…
The Full Story
A Kirstenhof couple has been convicted and fined after being found guilty of multiple wildlife offences involving the illegal keeping, transport and possession of dozens of exotic reptiles.
The Wynberg Magistrate’s Court sentenced Zirkie Bernardus Jansen and Valerie Gayle Simpson-Jansen to a R40 000 fine each, or 18 months’ imprisonment, following their conviction on seven counts under the Nature Conservation Ordinance.
The offences, committed in March 2022, involved 95 reptiles that were kept and transported without the required permits.
Among the animals seized were crested geckos, gargoyle geckos, New Caledonian geckos and ball pythons.
The court also found the couple guilty of breaching permit conditions, failing to account for certain reptiles in their possession and providing false information in a wildlife permit application.
CapeNature welcomes conviction
CapeNature welcomed the outcome, saying the conviction demonstrates that wildlife crime and violations of conservation legislation carry serious consequences.
The conservation authority said the case reinforces its commitment to protecting South Africa’s biodiversity through effective law enforcement and close cooperation with other agencies.
CapeNature added that the successful prosecution should serve as a warning that the unlawful keeping, transport and trade of protected wildlife will not be tolerated.
Latest Developments
Zirkie Bernardus Jansen and Valerie Gayle Simpson-Jansen have been fined R80,000 for illegally keeping and transporting 95 exotic reptiles. Their offences relate to violations of the Nature Conservation Ordinance and came to light following law enforcement actions in March 2022.
Why It Matters
The outcome of this case reinforces the commitment to wildlife protection in South Africa. It sends a clear message regarding the serious implications of wildlife crime, thereby promoting the protection of endangered species and reinforcing conservation laws.