KARIEGA – A Zimbabwean national (38) has been arrested following a swift operation by members of the Kariega SAPS. He allegedly faces a charge of possession of protected cycads in contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA).

According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, on Monday, 29 June, at approximately 14:00, Kariega Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) members received information from a local farmer that several suspects had been seen removing cycads from a farm and carrying them towards the R75, approximately 15 to 20 kilometres outside Kariega.

“STES members immediately responded and conducted observation and waylay operations in the area while the farmer continued to monitor the suspects from a distance,” she said. “At about 23:30 that evening, members noticed a suspicious vehicle stop alongside the R75 near the area where the cycads had been moved during the day.”

Janse van Rensburg added that as members approached to identify the vehicle, assistance was requested from the Kariega K9 Unit and Visible Policing members. “A short while later, the suspect vehicle drove past, followed by the farmer’s vehicle.”

She also stated that the suspect vehicle suddenly pulled over, and two occupants fled into nearby bushes. “The driver was successfully apprehended, while the two remaining suspects escaped on foot.”

Janse van Rensburg said that police recovered 151 protected cycads of various sizes with an estimated value of approximately R1.5 million.

A Mazda BT-50 bakkie, valued at approximately R100 000, believed to have been used in the commission of the offence, as well as a Samsung mobile phone, were also seized.

She added that the arrested suspect is expected to appear in the Kariega Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, 2 July, on a charge relating to the unlawful possession of protected cycads in contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act.

“Police investigations are continuing to trace the two outstanding suspects,” Janse van Rensburg concluded.

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