MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A total of 2 641 plants, 516 of which belong to 16 different endangered species, were discovered when the police led a raid of a shipping container in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay.
This is according to police spokesperson, Sergeant Chris Spies.
Leon Rossouw of the Mossel Bay-based Wildlife Crime Information Network (WCIN), who was present during the operation, said that in addition to the flora, animal skins - including those of a leguaan, caracal and python - were also confiscated.
The network operates throughout the Western Cape.
The raid on 4 and 5 June, a joint intelligence-driven operation by various police units and environmental organisations, took place in Centurion Street, KwaNonqaba.
One person was arrested at the container and later released, and is scheduled to appear in the Mossel Bay Magistrate's Court on 29 September.
The container where the raid took place. Photo: Leon Rossow
The suspect is charged with the possession of protected and endangered species of flora.
Spies said that besides the 2 641 plants, an additional 149kg of plant material in the container was seized.
A total of 120 plant species were identified, he noted.
Teams
Rossouw gave more information on the teams involved, saying they were from the WCIN; the police Stock Theft and Endangered Species (Stes) units of Worcester, Oudtshoorn and Beaufort West; CapeNature; South African National Parks (SANParks); Mossel Bay Municipality Law Enforcement and the Garden Route Botanical Garden in George.
The project co-ordinator at WCIN, Theresa Scholtz, who helped co-ordinate the operation, said it formed part of the ongoing efforts of WCIN, Stes units, CapeNature, SANParks and other role players to combat the illegal harvesting of plants for medicinal purposes, not only in the Western Cape, but the entire country.
Some of the plant materials and other items inside the container. Photo: Leon Rossouw
"South Africa is home to one of the world's richest floral kingdoms, with more than 20 000 plant species, many of which are used in traditional medicine," Scholtz said.
"However, this biodiversity is under increasing threat due to the illegal and unsustainable harvesting of medicinal plants. Driven by high demand, poverty and a lack of regulation, the black market trade in indigenous plants poses serious ecological, cultural and economic risks," she said.
"Protecting South Africa's medicinal plants requires a multi-pronged approach that balances conservation with socio-economic needs. Strengthening law enforcement, supporting traditional healers, investing in cultivation and ensuring fair trade practices are critical steps toward sustainability," Rossouw said.
Spies said that the Stes unit in Oudtshoorn is investigating the case.
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