A Spanish national has been convicted in the Vredendal Regional Court for the illegal possession and importation of protected reptile species from the Northern Cape into the Western Cape.
On Thursday, 41-year-old David Navarro Roman was found guilty on three charges related to the unlawful possession of 22 Armadillo Girdled Lizards and one Speckled Dwarf Tortoise.
According to CapeNature, the charges include two contraventions of the Western Cape Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974 for possessing and importing protected wild animals without the required permits, as well as a charge under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998.
The court sentenced Roman to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for five years, on each of the three charges. He was also ordered to pay a fine of R500 000.
The confiscated animals were reportedly forfeited to CapeNature and placed in an appropriate facility where they will receive proper care.
According to CapeNature, Roman was arrested on 29 November 2025 by its officials and members of the South African Police Service while staying at a hotel in the Vredendal area.
CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo has raised concerns about the growing illegal collection of these reptiles.
“This species is threatened by widespread, unregulated, unsustainable exploitation of natural populations. The habitat of remaining populations must be protected to avoid further exploitation, which could likely drive the species to extinction,” added Naidoo
Authorities say the removal of entire groups for the illegal pet trade is particularly damaging, as the lizards live in colonies. With remaining populations already limited and scattered, recovery is unlikely without strict enforcement and public vigilance.
READ MORE: Suspect arrested after R360,000 illegal cigarettes confiscated
