CRIME SCENE: Delareyville, North-West Province: Two suspects who allegedly attempted to trade only in a snake, have been released on a warning.

The Sannieshof Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STESU), the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) and the Wildlife Crime Information Network (WCIN) worked in collaboration to arrest the two.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) the operation followed information received about a person who allegedly advertised a live Southern African Python for sale at R5 000 on a private social media platform.

“Following the verification and sharing of the information, the alleged seller was traced to Delareyville. Two suspects were subsequently found in town, and one of them was carrying a blue bag. A search of the bag led to the discovery and recovery of the live Southern African Python.

“The two suspects were arrested for allegedly being in possession of a protected wild animal without the required permits and conducting a restricted activity without the necessary authorisation,” said SAPS.

The suspects appeared briefly before the Delareyville Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 31 August 2026 and were released on warning. The matter remains before the court.

The Provincial Commissioner of the North West, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, said that SAPS in the North West continued to work closely with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to combat wildlife crime.

“Members of the community are encouraged to report suspicious activities involving the illegal possession, transportation or sale of protected wildlife to the police,” said Adams.