MEC Botha (without hat and in yellow top) leads the game meat inspection on the N1 roadblock last week
By Emmanuel Koro
Johannesburg – 25 August 2025
Motorists carrying unlicensed game meat risk heavy fines and arrest.
This was announced by the Gauteng MEC for Environment, Mr Ewan Botha, last week after a person found in possession of carcasses without the required permit was fined.
The arrest was made during a joint roadblock on the N1 near Hammanskraal, conducted by the Gauteng Department of Environment (GDenv) Environmental Management Inspectors (EMIs), together with the South African Police Service (SAPS), Tshwane Metro Police, Gauteng Traffic Police, the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Gauteng Biodiversity Management Unit, and provincial veterinary services.
MEC Botha, who personally led the operation, said the crackdown formed part of a broader drive to enforce compliance with environmental laws during the hunting season.
“We stopped 172 cars,” said Botha. “Thirty-three were carrying game meat and a total of 74 carcasses were found. Only one motorist failed to produce a valid permit and he was fined R4 000. We want to make it clear—those found transporting game meat illegally will face fines, arrest, and possible criminal charges.”
Officials involved in the multi-agency inspection specifically targeted hunters bringing carcasses from other provinces, particularly Limpopo, where African Swine Fever remains a concern. Veterinary inspectors were on high alert for warthog meat entering Gauteng from restricted zones.
Between May and September, hunting activity increases, with many Gauteng residents travelling to game-rich provinces such as Limpopo. Authorities say this has also created opportunities for smugglers attempting to traffic wildlife and plant species without permits.
“The N1 is a key entry point from Limpopo. That’s why this operation was strategically positioned here—to disrupt illegal trafficking of fauna and flora and to remind hunters of their responsibility to carry the necessary permits,” said Botha.
In addition to inspections, officials used the roadblock to raise public awareness, distributing more than 250 brochures to motorists and passengers about environmental compliance.
MEC Botha described the operation as “a success” and warned that similar roadblocks would be rolled out more frequently across Gauteng.
“Our message is simple: if you’re caught with game meat without the correct permit, you will pay heavily. It’s better to comply than to face arrest,” he said.
