A woman from Woodstock has been sentenced to a fine of R250 000 or four years’ imprisonment for acquiring, possessing and keeping 145 reptiles in captivity at a shop and her home. The provincial biodiversity conservation organisation, CapeNature, welcomed the successful conviction.

The unlawful trade and keeping of reptiles can deplete wild populations and introduce diseases and parasites to indigenous wildlife. – CapeNature Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mbulelo Jacobs

Woman sentenced for keeping reptiles in Woodstock

According to a statement, Jacqueline Hewett of Woodstock was convicted on all six charges. These charges related to the unlawful acquisition, possession and keeping in captivity of 145 reptiles. “The offences involved snakes, geckos and lizards, including protected, endangered, alien invasive and prohibited species”. These animals were kept at a shop on Lower Main Road, Observatory and her residence in Woodstock in March 2023.

Jacobs added, “We commend the investigators and prosecutors whose work secured this outcome and urge the public to support our efforts to protect the Western Cape’s biodiversity.”

Keeping 145 reptiles in captivity

CapeNature also commended the South African Police Service’s Kuilsriver Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, along with the National Prosecuting Authority for their commitment and collaboration in securing this conviction. The Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mbulelo Jacobs, says the outcome demonstrates the importance of coordinated investigation and prosecution in holding biodiversity offenders accountable.

Escaped or deliberately released alien reptiles may establish invasive populations, prey on indigenous species and compete for food and habitat. These risks threaten the Western Cape’s unique biodiversity, including its endemic and threatened reptiles and amphibians. – CapeNature Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mbulelo Jacobs.

CapeNature, the custodian of the Cape Floristic Region, added that on 22 October 2026, the Cape Town Regional Court sentenced Hewett to a fine of R250 000 or four years’ imprisonment. This was together with an additional two years’ imprisonment wholly suspended for five years on condition that she is not found guilty of an offence relating to wild animals during the period of suspension.

Endangered Species Unit

At the same time, the court further ordered that Hewett be disqualified for five years from obtaining any authorisation, licence or permit authorising the acquisition, keeping in captivity or possession of any wild animals in the Western Cape.

Woman sentenced for keeping reptiles in Woodstock

Jacobs added, “This conviction sends a clear message that wildlife crime carries serious consequences.” He says permit requirements are essential safeguards for biodiversity, helping to regulate trade and prevent ecological harm.

Report suspected unlawful wildlife poaching, trade, possession and keeping in captivity of animals

CapeNature has asked members of the public to report suspected unlawful wildlife poaching, trade, possession and keeping in captivity to SAPS. Relevant conservation authorities can also be contacted. Furthermore, people who wish to acquire, trade in, possess or keep wild animals in captivity must first obtain a valid CapeNature permit.

Anyone wishing to report biodiversity crime in the Western Cape can contact:

Their nearest police station;
CapeNature: 087 087 9262 or info@capenature.co.za;
Crime Stop Tip-Offline: 08600 10 111; or
National Environmental Crime Hotline: 0800 205 005 or envirocrime@dffe.gov.za