VREDENDAL – A Spanish citizen has been convicted in the Vredendal Regional Court for the illegal possession and importation of protected reptiles from the Northern Cape to the Western Cape.
David Navarro Roman (41) was sentenced on Thursday, 12 February, after being found in possession of 22 armadillo girdled lizards and one speckled dwarf tortoise.
Roman was convicted on three charges: two under the Western Cape Ordinance 19 of 1974 for possession and importation of protected wild animals without the necessary permits, and one under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998.
He received a suspended sentence of two years in prison for five years on each charge and was ordered to pay a fine of R500 000. The confiscated animals were forfeited to CapeNature and placed in a suitable facility.
CapeNature and the South African Police Service arrested Roman on 29 November 2025 whilst he was staying at a hotel in the Vredendal area.
Dr Ashley Naidoo, CapeNature’s chief executive, expressed concern about the increase in illegal collection of these reptiles.
“This species is threatened by widespread, unregulated, unsustainable exploitation of natural populations. The habitat of remaining populations must be protected to avoid further exploitation, which could likely drive the species to extinction,” said Naidoo.
He added that the organisation continues to rely on citizens being observant and on partner institutions to build on such enforcement successes.
The armadillo girdled lizard lives in groups, and the removal of entire local populations for the illegal pet trade is causing local extinction. The remaining natural populations are unlikely to recover due to low distribution of other natural populations. The species has been included on the South African National Sensitive Species List.
CapeNature has called on the public to report any information about the illegal hunting or gathering of wildlife to their nearest CapeNature offices or by calling 087 087 9262.
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