KWAZULU-NATAL – On Monday 20 February 2023, the Hawks members from Port Shepstone Serious Organised Crime Investigation working together with Crime Intelligence, Ezemvelo Wildlife and Durban Metro Police arrested a 74-year-old suspect for dealing in endangered plants without a permit.
Members conducted a follow-up investigation after the arrest of Cebo Mpanza (24) in Lamontville two weeks ago. They continued with their investigation and pursued his supplier. They proceeded to Hayfields in Pietermaritzburg where an undercover operation was conducted. The suspect was found in possession of 416 cycad plants and he failed to produce permit.
The street value of the seized plants is approximately R129 900.00. He was placed under arrest and charged for dealing in specially protected indigenous plants without a permit.
He is expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court today, 21 February 2023.