Cape Town woman fined R250 000 over illegal possession of 145 reptiles

NATIONAL NEWS - A Cape Town woman has been fined R250 000 following her conviction on six charges relating to the unlawful acquisition, possession and keeping of 145 reptiles in captivity.

Jacqueline Hewett, of Woodstock, was sentenced by the Cape Town Regional Court on 22 October after the reptiles, including snakes, geckos and lizards, were found at a shop in Lower Main Road, Observatory, and at her home in Woodstock in March 2023.

The animals included protected, endangered, alien invasive and prohibited species.

Hewett was sentenced to a fine of R250 000 or four years’ imprisonment. She also received an additional two-year prison sentence, wholly suspended for five years on condition that she is not convicted of an offence relating to wild animals during that period.

The court further disqualified her for five years from obtaining any authorisation, licence or permit to acquire, possess or keep wild animals in captivity in the Western Cape.

Anyone wishing to acquire, trade in, possess or keep wild animals in captivity must first obtain a valid CapeNature permit, where required by law.

CapeNature welcomed the conviction and commended the South African Police Service’s Kuilsrivier Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, together with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), for their role in securing the outcome.

The conservation authority said the illegal trade and keeping of reptiles posed significant risks to biodiversity. Such activities can deplete wild populations and introduce diseases and parasites to indigenous wildlife.

Alien reptiles that escape or are released into the wild may also establish invasive populations, prey on indigenous species and compete with them for food and habitat.

These threats can place additional pressure on the Western Cape’s unique biodiversity, including endemic and threatened reptiles and amphibians.

Photos: CapeNature

“This conviction sends a clear message that wildlife crime carries serious consequences. Permit requirements are essential safeguards for our biodiversity, helping to regulate trade and prevent ecological harm,” said CapeNature acting chief executive officer Mbulelo Jacobs.

He commended the investigators and prosecutors involved in the case and urged the public to support efforts to protect the province’s biodiversity.

CapeNature has called on members of the public to report suspected wildlife poaching, illegal trade, possession and keeping of wild animals in captivity to the police or the relevant conservation authority.

Anyone wishing to acquire, trade in, possess or keep wild animals in captivity must first obtain a valid CapeNature permit, where required by law. Prohibited species remain subject to applicable legal restrictions.