Two Germans rearrested for illegal trade, possession of reptiles
Two German nationals arrested in November 2021 for the illegal trade and possession of reptiles and controlled substances have been rearrested on similar charges.
Daniel Lohde and Marko Drescher were nabbed as they walked out of court in Upington on Thursday.
Spokesperson for the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Albi Modise says the two men were caught in possession of reptiles, including armadillo girdled lizards, in 2021.
"They were nabbed while catching reptiles, including armadillo, girdled lizards which are a threatened and protected species, giant ground geckos, several other lizards and four tortoises in the Northern Cape with the intention to smuggle them out of South Africa.
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"All tortoises are listed by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora which regulates the international trade in these species."
Lohde and Drescher have again been linked to similar crimes in Gauteng.
“Both men have been rearrested as a result of ongoing investigations in similar charges linked to a case in Gauteng, with more arrests expected in the Gauteng matter."
The two men are expected to appear in a court in Kempton Park soon.
