A clandestine operation involving SANParks Environmental Crime Investigation (ECI), SAPS’ Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit and Cape Nature Officials resulted in the arrest of a traditional medicine shop owner in Kuils River on Tuesday.
Also read: Experts warn of the risks of stripping bark from Table Mountain’s trees
Police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk said the integrated team pounced on the shop after a four-month-long sting operation confirmed that the owner bought items from illegal suppliers for muthi purposes.
The shop owner was arrested and detained on charges of possession of wild animal carcasses and flora without a permit.
Captain van Wyk added that members of the integrated team confiscated 29 bags of tree bark, one elephant foot, several fox skins and one otter skin among various illegal fauna and flora products.
‘The value [of the confiscated items] still needs to be determined and the investigation continues,’ added van Wyk.
In an effort to address the illegal and ongoing stripping of bark from protected tree species in Table Mountain National Park, van Wyk said similar operations will be conducted at other shops, with more arrests expected.
The suspect is set to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court.
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