A young male lion literally walked on water after being attacked by a crocodile in the Sabie river inside the Kruger National Park. Image: Pixabay
Look: Three men appear in court for stealing a crocodile [Video]
Three man are set to appear in court after being arresting in possession of a stolen Nile crocodile worth R25 000.00.
A young male lion literally walked on water after being attacked by a crocodile in the Sabie river inside the Kruger National Park. Image: Pixabay
Three male suspects are expected to appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court today for allegedly stealing a crocodile.
The men are arrested for contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004).
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Three men arrested with stolen crocodile
The accused’s court appearance emanates from their apprehension on Thursday afternoon, 20 April 2023.
This comes after the Stilfontein Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit members received information that a Nile crocodile was stolen from a crocodile farm in Hartebeesfontein.
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Immediate follow-up in conjunction with Nature Conservation officials led the team to an abandoned farm house where a 2,5m long Nile crocodile valued at R25 000.00 was discovered hidden under tree branches.
The suspects were arrested and Police also seized a vehicle (bakkie) that was used in the commission of the crime.
The crocodile was then returned to its rightful owner.
Video:
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Stock theft related case
In another separate incident investigated by Stilfontein STES, 30-year-old Thatho Nhlapo appeared before the Stilfontein Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 19 April 2023, for being in possession of suspected stolen cattle.
He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance before the same court on Wednesday, 26 April 2023.
ALSO READ: Unbelievable! Three arrested with a stolen Nile CROCODILE
Nhlapo’s court appearance followed his arrest on Monday, 17 April 2023, after a shepherd saw three males chasing two cows in an open field along the R509 road, close to Khuma.
The shepherd contacted his employer who mobilised farmers in the area.
Nlhapo was consequently arrested by the farmers and handed him over to the police.
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The other two suspects are still at large. Initial investigations determined that the cattle belong to a farmer in Free State Province.
A total of five cattle were stolen from his farm, but two were found abandoned in the field, two were recovered from the suspects while one is still missing.
