Johannesburg – Motorists carrying unlicensed game meat have been warned by authorities that they risk heavy fines and arrest.
Gauteng Environment MEC Ewan Botha issued the warning after a person was recently found in possession of carcasses without the required permit and was fined.
The arrest was made last week during a roadblock on the N1 near Hammanskraal.
The roadblock was conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Gauteng Department of Environment officials, South African Police Service, Tshwane Metro Police, Gauteng Traffic Police, National Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment officials, Gauteng Biodiversity Management Unit, and provincial veterinary services.
MEC Botha, who 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.
*Emmanuel Koro is a Johannesburg-based independent international award-winning environmental journalist who writes extensively on environmental and developmental issues in Africa.
