One of the two Nile crocodiles seized from a Springs home during Monday’s raid. The 1.7m reptile was allegedly kept without permits for more than two years.
Image: SUPPLIED
Police have removed two crocodiles from the backyard of a Springs home after they had allegedly been kept illegally in a steel cage with a small blue splash pool, as though they were pets.
The 1.48m and 1.7m reptiles were reportedly kept there for more than two years without the required permits.
Police said they found the two Nile crocodiles during a raid on Monday.
The raid was carried out with the Tshwane K9 unit, the Gauteng environment department, the Vereeniging Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, and the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital.
The Springs SPCA also assisted.
"[We] swooped on a residence in Springs after receiving information that two tortoises and two crocodiles were being kept without the required permits," a police statement said.
It said police had a search warrant from the Springs Magistrate’s Court.
When they got to the house at around 10am, the owner was not there.
Someone described as the manager of the owner’s company let them onto the property.
Inside, they found a black steel enclosure measuring 5.6 metres by 1.8 metres.
It had two Nile crocodiles and a small blue splash pool.
"The crocodiles measured 1.48 metres and 1.7 metres respectively and were reportedly kept there for more than two years," the statement read.
"No tortoises were discovered."
The crocodiles were taken to the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital for checks and care.
Police opened a case at the Springs police station for alleged contravention of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act.
That law covers keeping threatened or protected animals without a permit.
"Persons intending to keep any form of exotic pets or wildlife are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the laws protecting and regulating specific species, as well as whether lawful permits are obtainable," police said.
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