A 58-year-old man from Brandvlei was arrested on Friday following an operation that uncovered a protected tortoise in his possession, which he allegedly intended to sell.
According to police reports, the arrest occurred on 20 February 2026 after authorities acted on a tip-off. The information was swiftly operationalised, leading officers to a street in Brandvlei where the suspect was located.
During the encounter, members found the individual in possession of a tortoise. When questioned, the suspect was unable to produce the required permit authorising him to keep the protected species. He was subsequently arrested and charged under the Nature Conservation Act for the illegal possession of a protected animal.
The investigation continues.
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