Vredendal - CapeNature welcomes the sentencing of Mr. D. J. Human of Bloemfontein, who was charged under the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974 for the poaching of succulent plants.

The convicted party was found guilty on three charges which included 

1) unlawful and wrongful possession of protected plants without documentation;

2) unlawful picking of protected plants without documentation; and

3) the unlawful picking of protected plants without documentation and without authorisation/permission.

This was the ruling of the Vredendal Regional Court on Friday, 14 October 2022 for plant-related biodiversity crimes. The court found Mr. Human guilty and handed down a sentence comprising a R250 000 fine, of which R100 000 was suspended for 5 years, and 2 years imprisonment, which was suspended for 5 years. The condition of the suspension is that Mr. Human would not be found guilty of any crime related to the charges with which he was found guilty, in any province of South Africa.

The magistrate made it clear during his verdict that biodiversity crime is a crime against our people and our heritage and will not be taken lightly.

CapeNature CEO, Dr. Razeena Omar echoed these sentiments, “CapeNature is responsible for biodiversity conservation in the Western Cape and currently there is a shocking escalation in succulent plant poaching in our province. Between 2018 and now, six cases were registered on average per month and a rough average of 21 000 plants were seized per month. It is clear why succulent poaching presents a significant challenge to conservation and enforcement agencies. These sentences should serve as a deterrent to those intending to interfere with our natural heritage.”

What to do if you suspect plant poaching:

• Report suspicious activity to CapeNature. Contact details can be found at:

https://www.capenature.co.za/c...

• Dial 10111 from anywhere in South Africa and you will be transferred to the nearest police station to you. You may remain anonymous.

• If possible, record the vehicle registration number and a description of the vehicle and alleged perpetrators. Do so safely and discreetly.

• Do not attempt to intervene or confront alleged poachers.

• Report suspected illegal activity immediately and allow the law enforcement officers to deal with it in order to ensure arrest and prosecution.