According to the communication officer of the police in Fochville, Sgt Elsie Tshonte, an official of the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Avhurengwi Olga Kone, visited the portion of the farm, Rietfontein, at 05:00 on Saturday.
She found the 62-year-old farm owner in possession of the two cubs, in contravention of Section 57 of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (10 of 2004).
“She did not have permission to keep the lion cubs and could not produce any paperwork,” says Tshonte.
As far as could be determined, she kept the cubs in a bedroom in the farmhouse. They were confiscated and taken to the Pretoria Zoo.
The woman was arrested but was released on bail the same day.
“She will appear in court again on 30 September,” Kone told the Herald. “The police urge members of the community to report anyone who keeps dangerous animals without a permit or permission. If you have any information, please contact your nearest police station,” says Tshonte.