Three Arrested For Possession Of Endangered Plants Worth R500 000

Police in the Namakwa region of the Northern Cape have arrested three suspects for the illegal possession of endangered plants valued at approximately R500,000.

Acting on a tip-off, officers intercepted a truck travelling from Leliefontein towards Kamieskroon. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 30 bags containing 1 309 endangered plants.

Provincial police spokesperson Cherelle Ehlers says, "About 30 bags containing 1 309 alleged endangered plants were recovered and trucks seized as it was utilized in the commission of a crime. The trio, aged 31, 32, and 39 years old, all from the Western Cape, were arrested and will appear in court on charges of illegal possession of endangered plants."

Ehlers adds that the truck was seized as it had been used in the commission of a crime.