Klerksdorp Police Commander Saves 50-to-70-Year-Old Tortoise During Liquor Raid

A Leopard tortoise, estimated to be between 50 and 70 years old, was rescued by Captain Elize van Schalkwyk, Commander of the Klerksdorp Firearm, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods (FLASH) Unit, during an inspection at an illegal shebeen in Wilken Street on the afternoon of Thursday, 21 May 2026.

According to official reports, Captain van Schalkwyk acted on intelligence and visited the unlicensed liquor premises, where she arrested a 51-year-old suspect for allegedly dealing in liquor without a licence. During the inspection, she found the tortoise chained to the ground with no access to food or water. As a result, the suspect was additionally charged with contravention of Section 2(1) of the Animal Protection Act, Act 71 of 1962.

Nature Conservation officials were immediately notified. Shortly after its rescue, the tortoise was handed over to Kelly Meintjies, a field officer from Nature Conservation.

The public is reminded that all indigenous tortoises are legally protected under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) and provincial nature conservation ordinances. Owning or acquiring a Leopard tortoise from an unregistered source is illegal, and no permit can be obtained. Legal possession requires explicit permission from the relevant provincial conservation authority. Releasing a captive tortoise into the wild is also prohibited, as it may struggle to survive or introduce diseases to wild populations.

Individuals in unauthorized possession of a tortoise are urged to surrender it immediately to avoid fines or prosecution. The safest drop-off points are the local NSPCA or an authorised wildlife rehabilitation centre. Suspected illegal possession or trade of tortoises can be reported to the Wildlife Crime Information Network via WhatsApp at 079 643 9556 or to the nearest police station.

The 51-year-old suspect is scheduled to appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 25 May 2026, on charges of contravening the Liquor Act 59 of 2003 and Section 2(1) of the Animal Protection Act, Act 71 of 1962.

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