By Emmanuel Koro

Johannesburg, 24 May 2026

Springs – Two illegally kept crocodiles were seized in Springs, Gauteng, South Africa during a multi-agency operation led by the Gauteng Department of Environment, highlighting the province’s continued efforts to combat biodiversity-related crimes.

The operation, conducted on 25 May 2026, took place just days after South Africa commemorated International Day for Biological Diversity. Authorities said the action underscored the commitment of Gauteng Department of Environment (GDEnv) to protect biological diversity and contribute to national conservation goals.

Environmental officials, supported by the Tshwane K9 Unit, Vereeniging South African Police Service, the Tshwane Law Enforcement Support Unit, the Wildlife Veterinary Hospital and the Springs Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), executed a search warrant at a residential property in Petersfield, Springs, following reports of the unlawful keeping of protected wildlife.

Inspectors discovered two Nile crocodiles measuring approximately 1.48metres and 1.70 metres in length. The reptiles were being kept without the permits required under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA).

The crocodiles were confiscated and transported to the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital for assessment and care. Authorities confirmed that the animals were in good condition and that the owner had also failed to comply with SPCA regulations relating to animal welfare.

Investigators established that the property owner did not possess the necessary Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) permits required to keep crocodiles. A criminal case was opened at the Springs South African Police Service station and environmental authorities are continuing their investigation.

Under NEMBA, the illegal possession of threatened or protected species without a permit carries severe penalties. Offenders may face fines of up to R10 million, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both, depending on the nature and seriousness of the offence.

The GDEnv will continue working closely with law-enforcement agencies and conservation partners to strengthen compliance monitoring and combat wildlife crimes across the province.

The department urges members of the public to report suspected environmental offences, stressing that the protection of South Africa’s biological diversity remains a shared responsibility.

The GDEnv thanked all role players in the seizure of the illegally kept crocodile, for their swift cooperation in removing these dangerous animals from a residential property and upholding South Africa’s biological diversity laws.

Meanwhile, members of the public are encouraged to report environmental crimes and biodiversity offences to the Gauteng Department of Environment (Green Scorpions) at Green.scorpions@gauteng.gov.za  or to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment at envirocrime@dffe.gov.za.

• Emmanuel Koro is a Johannesburg-based international award-winning environmental journalist who writes independently on environmental and developmental issues.