JOHANNESBURG – In a rare discovery two live Nile crocodiles were found confined to a steel enclosure on a private residential property in Springs on the East Rand. The animals, measuring 1.48 metres and 1.7 metres respectively, had reportedly been living there, undetected and without the required legal permits, for more than two years.

The find came to light on Monday 25 May when a multi-agency operation descended on the residence following a tip-off. Members from Tshwane K9, the Gauteng Department of Environment, the Vereeniging Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital, and the Springs Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) collaborated on the operation after receiving information that two crocodiles and two tortoises were being kept on the property without the necessary permits.

An application for a search warrant was made and duly approved by the Springs Magistrate’s Court, authorising the combined units to enter and search the premises. The teams arrived at the property at approximately 10:00 to execute the warrant. The property owner was not present at the time, and members were escorted onto the premises by a person identified as the manager of the owner’s company.

During the search, officers discovered a black steel enclosure measuring approximately 5.6 metres by 1.8 metres – fitted with a small blue splash pool – containing the two Nile crocodiles. No tortoises, as initially reported, were found on the property.

The crocodiles were seized and transferred to the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital, where they will receive medical treatment and appropriate housing.

A criminal case has been opened at SAPS Springs for contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, which prohibits the keeping of threatened or protected species without a valid permit. Investigations are ongoing.

Members of the public who wish to keep exotic pets or wildlife are strongly urged to familiarise themselves with the legislation governing the protection and regulation of specific species, and to determine whether lawful permits can be obtained before acquiring such animals.

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