Muti market horrors
Authorities recover skin and dried parts of protected species at a traditional healers' market in Empangeni.
ANIMAL skin and dried parts of three threatened or protected species were found among the wares during a raid on a traditional healers’ market in Empangeni.
The planned operation comprising Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Empangeni SAPS and Empangeni SPCA, was conducted at the busy market on Tanner Road.
Among the items confiscated were African Rock Python skin, a Nile crocodile head and a dried Gaboon Viper.
Numerous leguan skins and other animal parts were also found during the bust.
Empangeni SPCA Senior Inspector Roland Fivaz said protected species being used for ‘muti’ purposes was a common practice in Zululand.
‘No arrests were made as we were unable to confirm the origin of these items. However, all of the illegal items were confiscated.
‘We thank Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the Empangeni SAPS for their help and response. It was awesome teamwork and an excellent stance was taken against poaching and illegal hunting,’ said Fivaz.
