High-speed police chase leads to arrest of suspects with endangered lizards

A HIGH-SPEED chase on the N7 in Garies on Monday ended with the arrest of three men and the recovery of 84 endangered Armadillo girdled lizards, with an estimated street value of R123,000.

The suspects, aged 21, 29, and 37, were spotted by an off-duty police officer who had received a tip-off from the Station Commander about a red Volkswagen Golf believed to be involved in illegal activities linked to the protected species.

When officers signalled the vehicle to stop, the driver allegedly refused and sped off, prompting a pursuit. During the chase, the suspects were seen throwing objects from the car. The items were later identified as the Armadillo girdled lizards.

The trio was eventually apprehended, returned to the scene, and formally arrested. The Volkswagen Golf was seized as it had been used in the commission of the crime.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Garies Magistrate's Court on charges under the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act 9/2009, Sections 3 and 4. The case has been assigned to the Springbok Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STESU) for further investigation.