Two arrested in Delareyville after Southern African python offered for sale online

Police in Delareyville recovered a live Southern African python and arrested two men after a tip-off about the animal being offered for sale on a private social media platform, authorities said. The snake was allegedly being sold for R5 000 when officers intervened.

How the operation unfolded

The arrests followed an intelligence-led investigation into the illegal online trade in wildlife, police spokesperson Colonel Anne Magakoe said. She said the operation “resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of a live Southern African Python in Delareyville.”

The joint probe involved several agencies, including the Sannieshof Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STESU), the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), and the Wildlife Crime Information Network (WCIN), Magakoe said.

Police traced the alleged seller to Delareyville after verifying the tip-off. “Two suspects were subsequently found in town, and one of them was carrying a blue bag. A search of the bag led to the discovery and recovery of the live Southern African Python,” Magakoe said.

Charges and court appearance

The two men were arrested on charges of allegedly possessing a protected wild animal without the required permits, in contravention of section 57(1) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act of 2004, and of conducting a restricted activity without authorisation. A case was opened at Delareyville Police Station.

Magakoe confirmed that “the suspects appeared briefly before the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 31 August 2026. They were released on warning, and the matter remains before the court.”

Police appeal to the public

North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Adams said police remained committed to tackling wildlife crime alongside other agencies and urged residents to come forward with information.

“Members of the community are encouraged to report suspicious activities involving the illegal possession, transportation or sale of protected wildlife to the police,” Adams said.

What happened to the python

Police reported recovery of the live Southern African python during the operation. No additional details about the animal’s custody or next steps were provided in the police statement included in the source.