Springs – Authorities, acting on a tip-off about dangerous reptiles kept at a house in Petersfield, Springs, swooped on the residence where they found two large crocodiles.
The reptiles measuring 1.48 metres and 1.70 metres in length were identified as Nile crocodiles.
The crocodiles were seized during a multi-agency operation led by the Gauteng Department of Environment.
Other agencies involved in the swoop included environmental officials, supported by the Tshwane K9 Unit, Vereeniging South African Police Service, Tshwane Law Enforcement Support Unit, the Wildlife Veterinary Hospital, and the Springs Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
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 Gauteng Department of Environment’s commitment to protect biological diversity and contribute to national conservation goals.
Investigators established that the property owner did not possess the necessary Threatened or Protected Species permits required under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) to keep crocodiles.
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 owner had also failed to comply with SPCA regulations relating to animal welfare.
A criminal case was opened at the Springs South African Police Service station, and environmental authorities are continuing their investigation.
The crocodiles were confiscated and transported to the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital for assessment and care.
The reptiles were found to be in good condition.
Authorities said the actions taken underscore the Gauteng Department of Environment’s commitment to protect biological diversity and contribute to national conservation goals.
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.
About the writer: Emmanuel Koro is a Johannesburg-based international award-winning environmental journalist who writes independently on environmental and developmental issues.
