A crocodile was stolen in the North West, leading to the arrest of three men.
Police spokesperson Col Adéle Myburgh said the croc was stolen from a crocodile farm in Hartbeesfontein.
Police and nature conservation officers traced the 2.5m Nile crocodile to an abandoned farmhouse where it was discovered hidden under tree branches.
“The crocodile was returned to its rightful owner.”
The suspects, aged between 20 and 35, were arrested on Thursday. They are due to appear in the Klerksdorp magistrate’s court on Monday for contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act.
Police also seized a bakkie used in the commission of the crime.
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North West thieves steal crocodile
Image: SAPS
A crocodile was stolen in the North West, leading to the arrest of three men.
Police spokesperson Col Adéle Myburgh said the croc was stolen from a crocodile farm in Hartbeesfontein.
Police and nature conservation officers traced the 2.5m Nile crocodile to an abandoned farmhouse where it was discovered hidden under tree branches.
“The crocodile was returned to its rightful owner.”
The suspects, aged between 20 and 35, were arrested on Thursday. They are due to appear in the Klerksdorp magistrate’s court on Monday for contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act.
Police also seized a bakkie used in the commission of the crime.
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
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