Members of the Springbok Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit arrested ten suspects in connection with contravention of the Nature Conservation Act during operation ‘Buy and Bust’ on Sunday, January 10, SAPS confirmed.
The Commander of Namakwa Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, Captain Karel du Toit commended members of Upington Public Order Police, Kimberley Crime Intelligence and Upington Technical Support Unit for their assistance during the operation.
The suspects, whose ages range between 24 and 37 years, were found in possession of protected plants in Upington.
The following plants were confiscated from the suspects:
– 4230 conophytum calculus plants
– 3040 conophytum pageae plants
– 480 conophytum globosum plants
– 755 conophytum roodeae plants
– 280 conophytum uniforme plants
The plants are worth an estimated R400 000.
Two vehicles, a Chevrolet bakkie and Toyota Corolla, were also confiscated by police as they were used in the commission of crime.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Upington Magistrates Court on January 11.
Pictures: SAPS
