SANPARKS
Several poachers have been arrested in possession of an estimated 11 000 rare species of plants in the Western Cape.
Environmental Affairs Minister Anton Bredell says two recent sting operations by CapeNature and the SAPS Stock Theft Unit led to the arrests of the poachers and the confiscation of 11 000 endangered succulent plants destined for the illegal plant trade.
Bredell says the arrests were made on the 30th of April and the 8th of May in the Matzikama region of the province.
He added that during the Covid-19 lockdown, reserves and parks are closed to the public but anti-poaching and compliance patrols do continue, particularly in coastal reserves and Marine Protected Areas.
