A 25-year-old man appeared in court on Monday after he was found in possession of military-grade smoke grenades.

This came after the routine execution of a warrant on Thursday 25 June by the Cape of Good Hope SPCA at a property in Mikpunt outside Durbanville, to inspect the conditions in which snakes were held.

Explosives discovered

However, it quickly escalated into a multi-agency operation when the ammunition was discovered during the inspection by inspectors of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, assisted by the City of Cape Town Metro Police and the Law Enforcement Animal Control Auxiliary Unit, according to a statement on the Facebook page of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.

They visited the property to inspect and remove snakes kept under conditions that were believed to contravene the law.

After the military explosive devices were discovered on the premises, the scene was immediately secured, and members of the explosives unit of the police and the South African National Defence Force were called to safely assess and deal with the devices, according to the statement.

Five snakes

The suspect was arrested and transported to Durbanville Police Station. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA took five snakes, not native to South Africa, into its custody.

The reptiles were being kept in unhygienic enclosures that were inadequate for their size and welfare needs. In addition, concerns were identified regarding the legality of the permits under which the snakes were allegedly being kept. “These matters will form part of the ongoing investigation. The seized reptiles will undergo veterinary assessment and receive appropriate care while the SPCA’s investigation continues.”

“The SPCA is also liaising with the relevant conservation authorities regarding the permitting requirements applicable to the animals,” according to the statement.

Const. Ndakhe Gwala, media spokesperson of the provincial police, confirmed the suspect appeared in Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Appreciation

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA extended its appreciation to the City of Cape Town Metro Police, the Law Enforcement Animal Control Auxiliary Unit, the explosives unit, and the South African National Defence Force for their swift response and professional cooperation in ensuring the safety of everyone involved. “This incident serves as a reminder that animal welfare investigations can unexpectedly uncover other serious criminal offences. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA remains committed to enforcing animal welfare legislation and working alongside partner agencies to protect both animals and the broader community,” according to the statement.

ALSO READ: SPCA removes 24 animals from neglected Dunoon property