Former SAPS official Captain Karel Coetzee Du Toit, the commander of the Stock Theft Unit in Springbok, appeared in court along with a senior botanical horticulturist from the South African National Botanical Institute (SANBI) and another police officer. The trio is facing charges of fraud and corruption related to poached plants, as confirmed by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Captain Du Toit, who led the Springbok Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit at SAPS, has been instrumental in numerous operations resulting in the arrest of poachers targeting endangered succulent plants in the Northern Cape. One such operation in March 2022 led to the confiscation of approximately 5,500 succulents during a late-night roadblock, highlighting the severity of the issue.
SANBI estimates that over 1.5 million succulents have been unlawfully removed from the wild, with many of these plants being classified as red-listed, signifying their vulnerable or endangered status. The horticulturist, Adam Harrower, is facing charges of corruption, fraud, and cyber fraud, with allegations suggesting that he submitted fraudulent invoices for work done to Du Toit’s unit using his wife’s business.
The allegations against Du Toit and the other police officer, Leonard Landrew, include fraud, theft, defeating the administration of justice, contravention of the Tourism Act, and corruption. It is claimed that the duo failed to document seized plants and exhibits appropriately during investigations, further complicating the case.
Despite the serious charges, Du Toit dismissed the case as a “wild goose chase” and emphasized his passion for conservation. The trio was granted bail, with Du Toit receiving R50,000 and Landrew and Harrower each granted R20,000. They are set to appear in court again in December to face the charges brought against them.
The ongoing case sheds light on the illegal poaching of succulent plants in the Northern Cape and the collaborative efforts between law enforcement and conservationists to address this pressing issue. The importance of protecting endangered plant species and cracking down on fraudulent activities in the conservation sector cannot be understated. This article was originally published by GroundUp and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural heritage for future generations.
