Three suspects from the Northern Cape are expected to appear in the Garies Magistrate’s Court soon after they were found in possession of protected species. 

The suspects were arrested by police after a high-speed chase along the N7 road on charges of being illegally in possession of protected species in Contravention of the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act 9/2009, Sections 3 and 4, after they failed to stop when they were directed by police officials. 

The suspects are aged 21, 29, and 37. 

According to provincial police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane, an off-duty police officer was given information from the station commander of a red VW Golf with three male occupants who were allegedly involved in illegal activities related to armadillo girdled lizards in the area. 

Shemane said that at approximately 9.45pm, police officials spotted the vehicle and attempted to stop it. The driver also drove recklessly in an attempt to evade arrest. 

At this time, the other occupants in the vehicle were spotted throwing objects from the moving vehicle. These objects were later identified as armadillo girdled lizards. 

“The three males were successfully apprehended and returned to the crime scene, where they were formally arrested. A  total of 84 armadillo girdled lizards with an estimated value of R123,000 were recovered and booked into evidence. The VW Golf was seized as it was used in the commission of a crime. The three suspects are expected to appear in the Garies Magistrate’s Court soon,” Shemane said. 

The case has been allocated to the Springbok Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STESU) for further investigation.

robin.francke@iol.co.za

IOL

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