NATIONAL NEWS - A Spanish citizen, Mr David Navarro Roman (41), was convicted in the Vredendal Regional Court on Thursday, 12 February, for the illegal possession and importation of 22 Armadillo girdled lizards (Ouroborus cataphractus) and one speckled dwarf tortoise (Chersobius signatus) from the Northern Cape to the Western Cape.
Roman was convicted on three charges, two in terms of the Western Cape Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974, relating to the possession and importation of protected wild animals without the necessary permits as well as a charge in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998.
He was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for five years, on each of the three charges. In addition, he was ordered to pay a fine of R500 000. The confiscated animals were forfeited to CapeNature and placed in a suitable facility where they are being properly cared for.
Roman was apprehended by members of CapeNature and the South African Police Service on 29 November 2025 while staying at a hotel in the Vredendal area.
CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo expressed serious concern about the increase in the illegal collection of these reptiles.
“This species is threatened by widespread, unregulated and unsustainable exploitation of natural populations. The habitat of remaining populations must be protected to avoid further exploitation, which could drive the species to extinction. With such wide-open and expansive natural spaces in the province, we continue to rely on citizens being observant, as well as on our many partner institutions within and outside government, to build on such enforcement successes,” he said.
Some of the Confiscated Lizards found in the room. Photos: Supplied
Because these lizards live in groups, the removal of entire local populations for the illegal pet trade is contributing to local extinction. Remaining natural populations are unlikely to recover due to the limited distribution of other populations.
For this reason, the species has been included on the South African National Sensitive Species List.
CapeNature has called on the public to report any information relating to the illegal hunting or collection of wildlife to their nearest CapeNature office or by calling 087 087 9262.
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