CapeNature welcomes conviction of Cape Town woman in case involving 145 reptiles
CapeNature welcomes the successful conviction of Mrs Jacqueline Hewett of Woodstock, Cape Town, on all six charges relating 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, kept at a shop in Lower Main Road, Observatory and her residence in Woodstock in March 2023.
On 22 October 2026, the Cape Town Regional Court sentenced Mrs Hewett to a fine of R250 000 or four years’ imprisonment, 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.
The court further ordered that Mrs Hewett be disqualified for five years from obtaining any authorisation, license or permit authorising the acquisition, keeping in captivity or possession of any wild animals in the Western Cape.
CapeNature commends the South African Police Service’s Kuilsrivier Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit and the National Prosecuting Authority for their commitment and collaboration in securing this conviction. The outcome demonstrates the importance of coordinated investigation and prosecution in holding biodiversity offenders accountable.
The unlawful trade and keeping of reptiles can deplete wild populations and introduce diseases and parasites to indigenous wildlife. 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.
This conviction sends a clear message that wildlife crime carries serious consequences. Permit requirements are essential safeguards for our biodiversity, helping to regulate trade and prevent ecological harm. 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.
CapeNature urges members of the public to report suspected unlawful wildlife poaching, trade, possession and keeping in captivity to SAPS and the relevant conservation authority. Anyone wishing to acquire, trade in, possess or keep wild animals in captivity must first obtain a valid CapeNature permit. Prohibited species remain subject to the applicable legal prohibitions.
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
ABOUT CapeNature
CapeNature is a public institution mandated to promote and ensure biodiversity conservation within the Western Cape and is the custodian of the Cape Floristic Region. The Entity manages most of the mountain catchments and reserves that supply ecosystem services to the citizens of the Western Cape. This requires good scientific data, a sound understanding of fynbos ecology and commitment to the principles of integrated biodiversity management and planning. Most of this work is in remote areas out of the public eye but has a direct bearing on the quality of life of millions of people in the province.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
CapeNature
General Manager: Advocacy
Petro van Rhyn
pvrhyn@capenature.co.za
071 231 7576
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