Accused to remain in custody after Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STES) arrest

NORTH WEST – Tshidiso Pitso (28) and Hlompho Mary Seoehla (21), aged 28 and 21, appeared before the Lehurutshe Magistrates’ Court for contravention of Section 88 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004), the Animal Protection Act, 1962 (Act 71 of 1962) and for contravening the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 23 of 2002). They were remanded in custody until their next court appearance on Monday, 24 April 2023.

The duo’s court appearance emanated from their apprehension on Friday, by a multidisciplinary team consisting of Lehurutshe STES Unit, Crime Prevention, Cat Angel Refuge and the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) Unit. Reportedly, the team members followed up on information that a traditional healer chained a monkey to a pole. The team finally arrested the duo for possession of a Vervet monkey, eagle feathers and skins of an African Rock Python snake, without a permit. The monkey was taken to the State Veterinarian for medical treatment.