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Online Advert Led Police to a Live Southern African Python in North West Province

Southern African python resting on rocks in its native range
Conservation · Trade & poaching

A live southern African python (Python natalensis) was recovered in Delareyville, North West, after South African police received information that the protected snake had allegedly been advertised for sale online for R5,000. The South African Police Service reported the operation on 2 September 2026.

The investigation involved the Sannieshof Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, and the Wildlife Crime Information Network. After the information about the online advertisement was verified, investigators traced the alleged seller to Delareyville.

Two suspects were arrested, and police recovered the live python from a bag carried by one of them. SAPS said the two suspects were arrested for alleged possession of a protected wild animal without the required permits and for conducting a restricted activity without authorisation under South Africa’s National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act. The animal was alive when recovered.

Sources and image credit

  1. South African Police Service. (2026, September 2). Online wildlife advertisement leads to arrest of two suspects and recovery of live python.Primary law-enforcement source published 2 September 2026. SAPS reported that a live Southern African Python allegedly advertised for R5,000 on a private social-media platform was recovered in Delareyville, North West Province, and two suspects were arrested. The suspects had appeared in court on 31 August.

Image: Wild Southern African python photographed in its native range on 18 February 2006. Photo: Graham J. Alexander / USGS / Wikimedia Commons. Public Domain (USGS). Representative species image; not the Delareyville animal. · Public Domain (USGS) · Source

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