Lion cub ‘sellers’ soon back in court
The Boksburg SPCA previously said it was shocked that these animals were casually sold on a street corner of a residential area in Boksburg.
The four women arrested for allegedly trying to sell lion cubs in Boksburg on November 29 last year will be back in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on June 6.
Jordin Hill (22) and Lauren Botholomeuw (46) from Mulbarton, and Yanndri Bekker (27) and Megan du Plessis (25) of Stilfontein, are accused of contravening the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (no. 10 of 2004).
They were granted R4 000 bail each on December 6, on condition they report to their respective police stations every Friday between 08:00 and 16:00.
They were trying to sell three lion cubs, worth about R30 000 when they were arrested on the corner of Trichardts and Massel roads.
At the time, Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit spokesperson Captain Lloyd Ramovha said their unit reacted to a tip-off from crime intelligence on November 28.
“Following surveillance, a search and seizure operation netted the women in Boksburg North. Three lion cubs, estimated to be about five weeks old, were rescued and taken to a vet,” he said.
There are two charges against the women. Count one is for carrying out a restricted activity involving threatened/protected species without a permit. The alternative charge is the unlawful purchase of specially protected game.
At the time of the arrests, the Boksburg SPCA manager, Vicky Finnemore, said the society was shocked that the animals were sold on a street corner in a residential area in Boksburg.
“We are happy that the perpetrators were arrested and hope justice prevails. One can only wonder what has become of the mother of these cubs,” she said.
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