Police in the Northern Cape apprehended five suspects for allegedly harvesting protected plants estimated to be worth R2.7 million.
The arrest took place following a coordinated operation by law enforcement personnel from a nature reserve near Nieuwoudtville on Thursday, June 27. According to spokesperson Lt. Col. Sergio Kock, the arrest was based on intelligence indicating ongoing plant poaching activities in the area. The suspects, aged between 21 and 30 years, were caught red-handed with 424 endangered Clivia mirabilis plants.
The accused face charges related to the illegal possession of endangered plant species and are scheduled to appear in court in the near future.
Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt. Gen. Koliswa Otola, commended the efforts of the police and nature reserve staff, emphasizing the significance of their collaborative action in safeguarding the region’s biodiversity.
“This operation underscores our commitment to intensify efforts aimed at protecting the fauna and flora of the Northern Cape,” Lt. Gen. Otola reaffirmed.
The discovery of Clivia mirabilis, highlighted on the South African National Biodiversity Institute’s (Sanbi) website, has sparked considerable interest within the botanical community. This particular species has demonstrated resilience to the harsh Northern Cape climate, leading to stringent measures by Northern Cape Nature Conservation to regulate its access and preserve its population.
