Two German Citizens Plead Guilty To Illegal Trading In Indigenous African Reptiles
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the successful conviction and sentencing of two German Nationals, Daniël Löhde and Marko Drescher, by the Upington Regional Court. This sentencing comes after the two accused, entered into a plea and sentence agreement with the Prosecution. The convictions emanate from two years of a sting operation and communication between the accused, and the law-enforcement agent from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), whereby Löhde solicited illegal trading of specific reptiles, indigenous to South Africa. The accused travelled from Rostock in Germany to South Africa in November 2021.
On Friday, 19 November 2021, the two accused met with the Agent, after they had telephonically agreed to purchase 4 tortoises, for an amount of R2000. These tortoises- one Karoo Padloper and three Hinged Tortoises, are listed asSpecially Protected Species. After the transaction between parties was concluded, members of the SAPS arrested the two accused. A search warrant was activated and a search was conducted in the car of the accused. During the search, Police found various species of reptiles, twelve lizards of an undetermined species (seven already dead and five in bad condition), three Giant Ground Geckos, twelve Armadillo Lizards, and one Karoo Girdled Lizard, which they had transported in containers and material bags.
Neither one of the accused had any permits, giving them the authority to carry out any listed activities under any legislation. The accused were convicted of four charges, relating to restricted activities involving specially protected animals, keeping wild animals in captivity as well as restricted activities involving listed threatened or protected species, to which an international agreement regulating international trade applies. Adv. Theunis Barnard, and Senior State Advocate in the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), agreed with the defence counsel, after consultation with representatives of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) as well as the investigation officer, Sgt R Visser of the Hawks.
Löhde was fined R75000 or 3 years imprisonment on count 1; R50000 or 2 years imprisonment on count 2; R50000 or 2 years imprisonment on count 3 and 4 years imprisonment on count 4 all of which are wholly suspended for five years on condition that he pays an amount of R350 000, immediately to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. This fine will ensure that the Department can properly execute its enforcement duties, to address the illegal trade in South African succulents, with the Northern Cape being the priority. Drescher was sentenced as follows: R75000 or 3 years imprisonment on count 1; R50000 or 2 years imprisonment on count 2 and 3 and count 4 to 3 years imprisonment, all of which are wholly suspended for five years, on condition that he pays an amount of R100 000 to the same fund.
The National Prosecuting Authority remains committed to fighting threats against our wildlife and biodiversity. It is envisaged that these sentences will send a clear message and work as a deterrent, to perpetrators of environmental crimes. We have a duty to society and future generations to ensure our wildlife diversity is preserved.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
073 423 3539