By STAFF REPORTER
22 February 2026 – On 20 February 2026, a man (58) from Brandvlei, found himself on the wrong side of the law after he was found in possession of a protected tortoise, which he allegedly intended to sell. Acting on a tip-off, the police swiftly operationalised the information and proceeded to a street in Brandvlei, where the suspect was located.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the man was found in possession of a tortoise and was unable to produce the required permit authorising him to keep the protected animal. Magerman said the suspect was subsequently arrested and charged under the Nature Conservation Act for the illegal possession of a protected animal.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, reminded the public that the possession, trade, or transportation of protected wildlife without the necessary permits is a serious criminal offence. Andrews said they are also urged to report such incidents to the nearest police station or to contact the SAPS Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or utilise the MySaps app.
The Guardian 