CapeNature bust - R500,000 fine for illegal reptile trafficking in the Western Cape
On Thursday, 12 February 2026, a Spanish citizen Mr David Navarro Roman (41) was convicted in the Vredendal Regional Court for the illegal possession and importation of 22 Armadillo Girdled lizards (Ouroborus cataphractus) and one speckled dwarf tortoise (Chersobius signatus) from Northern Cape to the Western Cape.
He was convicted on three charges, of which two are in terms of the Western Cape Ordinance 19 of 1974 for possession and importation of protected wild animals without the necessary permits as well as on a charge in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998. He was sentenced to two years in prison suspended for five years, for each of the three charges. Furthermore, he was ordered to pay a fine of R500 000.00. The confiscated animals were forfeited to CapeNature and placed in a suitable facility to be properly cared for.
Roman was caught by members of CapeNature and the SAPS on 29 November 2025 while staying at a hotel in the Vredendal area.
Dr Ashley Naidoo, CapeNature’s CEO expressed his serious concern about the increase of 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. With such wide open and large natural spaces in the Province, we continue to rely on citizens being observant and on our many partner institutions within and outside government to build on such enforcement successes.
Since these lizards live in groups, the removal of the entire local populations by harvesting for illegal pet trade, is causing local extinction. These remaining natural populations are unlikely to recover due to a low distribution of other natural populations. For this reason, the species has been included on the South African National Sensitive Species List (http://nssl.sanbi.org.za/).
CapeNature calls on the public to report any information about the illegal hunting/gathering of wildlife to their nearest CapeNature offices or call 087 087 9262.
Related News
A follow up: The potential impacts of Red Swamp crayfish in Western Cape waters
Since first being found in the canal systems of lower Olifants River in 2022 by CapeNature officials, invasive Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) are being found further afield in the Western Cape at an alarming rate. This freshwater species is globally recognised as a seriously damaging invasive species.
Over 43 000 Cape Gannets on Lambert’s Bay Bird Island this breeding season
Bird Island is alive with the sounds and spectacle of seabirds, with an estimated over 43 000 Cape Gannets currently making the island their home this breeding season. The thriving colony reinforces Bird Island, Lambert’s Bay, as one of South Africa’s most important gannet breeding sites and highlights the impact of ongoing marine conservation work.
Water Week: Protecting Our Most Precious Resource
Water is fundamental to life and essential to our daily wellbeing. While this may seem widely understood, it remains important to continually remind ourselves of the value of this finite resource. Although approximately 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, only about 2.5% of it is freshwater available to sustain ecosystems and human needs.
New SASS accreditor supports river biomonitoring in the Western Cape
CapeNature continues to strengthen its role in freshwater conservation through the expertise of its staff, with freshwater ecologist Jeanne Gouws receiving her South African Scoring System (SASS) accreditation as an accreditor. Having successfully passed every three-yearly assessment since 2007, she is now the official Western Cape SASS accreditor.
GreenLaw Foundation empowers CapeNature in marine criminal law training
The GreenLaw Foundation successfully hosted a three-day mock criminal trial training program for CapeNature and other state officials, who could be called as state witnesses, focusing on marine-related biodiversity criminal cases. The programme was held at the Betty’s Bay Boat Club, Stoney Point, from 17 to 19 February 2026.
Western Cape adds over 81 000 hectares of new nature reserves in the past year
The Western Cape has added over 20 new nature reserves to its Protected Area network, securing more than 81 715 hectares of ecologically significant land for long-term conservation. Declared between April 2025 and March 2026, these new reserves strengthen the province’s efforts to protect important landscapes, species, and vegetation types.