6 arrested for tortoise trading
2010-02-16 21:04
Johannesburg - Six people have been arrested for illegal trading of leopard tortoises in the North West, the provincial agriculture department said on Tuesday.
The six were arrested by the Green Scorpions, the environmental management inspector unit, in partnership with the police during a raid on illegal traders which began two weeks ago in Rustenburg, spokesperson Bonolo Mohlakoana said in a statement.
The traders were arrested at intersections along the N4, Mosenthal, Hartebeesfontein and Bethanie while allegedly selling one tortoise for between R250 and R700, depending on its size.
The officials also confiscated 11 leopard tortoises and a trailer during the raid, prompted by the public reporting poaching.
The public was urged not to buy any tortoise or wild animal from anybody without a permit issued by the department.
- SAPA