BLOEMFONTEIN – Two men are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 24 February, after they were arrested for allegedly transporting endangered leopard tortoises without permits.
The arrests were made on Saturday 14 February, following a joint intelligence-driven operation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS) Flying Squad and the Wildlife Information Network’s cross-border investigations and anti-poaching unit.
Police spokesperson Lt Col. Thabo Covane said the operation led officers to a vehicle in the Bloemfontein central business district (CBD).
“An integrated team shared intelligence and the targeted white Renault Sandero was pulled over near Hoffman Square in the Bloemfontein CBD,” said Covane.
Police searched the boot of the vehicle and discovered three large leopard tortoises inside a box.
“A search was conducted and three big leopard tortoises were found inside the boot, kept in a box. The two suspects were immediately placed under arrest for possession of wild animals without the necessary permits,” said Covane.
The suspects were identified as Tankiso Lesikare (35) from Kathu in the Northern Cape and Emmanuel Ampoto (36), a Nigerian national.
They are facing charges for carrying out restricted activity without a permit and being in possession of endangered species.
The suspects have since been released on a warning and are expected to return to the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on 24 February as investigations continue.
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