CapeNature welcomes the conviction of Cape Town couple for wildlife crime
CapeNature welcomes the sentence imposed by the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Mr Zirkie Bernardus Jansen and Mrs Valerie Gayle Simpson-Jansen of Kirstenhof following their conviction on multiple offences relating to the unlawful keeping, possession and transport of reptiles.
The couple were each sentenced on 30 July 2026 to pay a fine of R40 000 or serve 18 months’ imprisonment after being convicted on seven counts under the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974.
The convictions arose from offences committed during March 2022 involving the unlawful keeping and transport of 95 reptile specimens, including crested geckos, new Caledonian geckos, gargoyle geckos and ball pythons without the required permits and authorisations.
Two Ball Pythons found during the execution of the search warrant.
Reptile enclosures found during execution of search warrant.
Additional reptile enclosures found during execution of search warrant.
The court also convicted the Jansens of failing to comply with permit conditions, failing to provide a satisfactory account for the possession of certain animals and submitting false information in connection with a wild animal permit application.
CapeNature views offences involving the unlawful captivity, transport and trade with wildlife as serious environmental crimes. The Western Cape’s wildlife permitting system exists to ensure that the acquisition, possession, captivity, breeding, transport and trade in wildlife are conducted responsibly, lawfully and in a manner that supports biodiversity conservation while preventing illegal wildlife trade.
The unlawful trade and keeping of wildlife undermines biodiversity conservation, threatens the integrity of our regulatory systems and place law-abiding permit holders at a disadvantage. We welcome the court’s decision and trust that it sends a clear message that deliberate non-compliance with conservation legislation will have consequences.
The Western Cape is internationally recognised for its exceptional biodiversity and effective enforcement of conservation legislation is essential to protecting the Province’s unique environment.
Members of the public who wish to acquire, keep in captivity, transport, capture, release or otherwise dispose or trade in wildlife are reminded that these activities are regulated by law and generally require permits issued by CapeNature. Permit holders are also required to comply fully with all permit conditions and provide truthful information when submitting permit applications.
CapeNature is committed to dealing with wildlife crime through proactive compliance monitoring, investigations and collaboration with the South African Police Service Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit and the National Prosecuting Authority. Protecting biodiversity relies on the collective efforts of government, responsible wildlife keepers and the public.
Anyone wishing to report wildlife crime can contact their nearest police station, CapeNature on 087 087 9262, or the Crime Stop Tip-Off Line on 08600 10 111.
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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