Police in Delareyville, South Africa, arrested two men and recovered a live Southern African python after a tip about its alleged R5,000 social-media sale. The suspects appeared in court on Aug. 31, were released on warning, and the case remains pending.
Authorities allege the men possessed a protected wild animal without permits required under section 57(1) of South Africa’s National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act and carried out a restricted activity without authorization. Police said the python was recovered from a blue bag.
The investigation involved the Sannieshof Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, the North West environment department and the Wildlife Crime Information Network. Provincial police commissioner Arthur Adams said his department would continue working with other agencies and urged residents to report suspected illegal possession, transport or sale of protected wildlife.
