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
WESSA recognises 62 Blue Flags and 19 Green Coast sites as South Africa marks 25 years of coastal stewardship
South Africa’s Blue Flag and Green Coast programmes are entering their next chapter with a renewed focus on environmental stewardship, inclusion, community participation and long-term coastal resilience, as WESSA, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, celebrates 25 years of Blue Flag in South Africa and its own centenary.
CapeNature visitors invited to support communities through new donation scheme
A visit to a CapeNature nature reserve can help a neighbour in need. From 5 October 2026, guests at three participating nature reserves can bring gently used clothing, blankets and other essential items for local non-profit organisations. The first phase of the donation scheme will run at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve near Heidelberg, Kogelberg Nature Reserve near Kleinmond, and Cederberg Wilderness Nature Reserve near Clanwilliam.
Radio network upgrade to strengthen emergency communication in Hangklip area
CapeNature and Overstrand Municipality will install a small radio repeater station near Hangklip Peak as part of an upgrade to the region’s radio communication network. The repeater will strengthen the communication networks used by both parties and improve coverage across the Overstrand municipal area, Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Betty’s Bay Marine Protected Area and parts of the City of Cape Town. Reliable radio communication is essential for the daily operations of
State of Conservation Report 2026 tracks progress and pressures facing Western Cape biodiversity
The Western Cape’s biodiversity is facing mounting pressure, with a sharp increase in the area affected by fires and more ecosystems and species classified as threatened, according to the Western Cape State of Conservation Report 2026. The report records 107 fires that burned 215 936 hectares during the 2025/26 reporting period – almost three times the 75 174 hectares burned by 97 fires in the previous reporting period.
El Niño raises fire risk as Western Cape prepares for a challenging fire season
The Western Cape is preparing for a potentially challenging wildfire season, with the developing El Niño weather pattern expected to contribute to hotter and drier conditions and an increased risk of wildfires across the province. The South African Weather Service has warned of below-normal rainfall associated with the expected strong El Niño during the coming summer season. While El Niño does not automatically mean that every part of the province will experience drought
Cape fur seal safety remains important this World Rabies Day
On World Rabies Day (28 September), CapeNature is reminding residents and visitors to keep a safe distance from Cape fur seals and to act immediately if they or their pets are bitten, scratched or exposed to a seal’s saliva. Rabies has been detected in Cape fur seals along the South African coastline and by the end of 2025, at least 176 people had been bitten by seals. While most seals do not pose a threat to people, they are wild animals and should never be approached, touched, fed or encouraged to interact with humans.