Okiep police arrest two men for stealing protected plants

Two men, aged 21 and 28, appeared in the Springbok Magistrates Court on Monday, January 26, following their arrest in Okiep on Sunday, January 25, at about 8.40am.

Police said the suspects were apprehended for allegedly stealing protected plants in the Steinkopf area, a violation of Sections 50 and 51 of the Nature Conservation Act 9 of 2009.

Authorities reported that the men were found in possession of plants valued at thousands of rand.

District Commissioner Brigadier Schalk Andrews said, “The natural fauna and flora of the Namakwa is not for sale, and those who attempt to poach the plants will receive resistance from the SAPS.”

He added that the “vigilance and swift action from the police members have resulted in the arrest of the suspects,” and warned that “it also sends a strong warning to poachers that police will clamp down on their operations and will squeeze the space for them to operate.”