The Springbok Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STESU) in conjunction with Pella SAPS, Poffader SAPS and Thorburn Security Company apprehended and arrested three male suspects on 07 July 2021 while they were illegally collecting the protected plant specie known as Conophytum Achabense in the mountainous area of the Achab Berg in the Pella area.
The collective team under the command of the Springbok STESU, Capt Karel Du Toit pounced on the suspects after they followed up on information.
They confiscated 1100 plants with an estimated street value of R100 000-00 which are sold on the black market.
The three suspects aged between 21 and 27 will soon be appearing in the Poffader Magistrates’ Court on charges of Contravening the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act 9 of 2009, Act 52 – possession of protected plants.