The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in North West, Maj Gen (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has acknowledged the successful rescue of two monkeys that were allegedly being illegally traded at an auction in Vryburg on the morning of Friday, 8 May 2026.
According to police reports, a wildlife rehabilitation volunteer and farmers attending the auction alerted authorities after discovering that a couple was attempting to sell two tied-up monkeys at a local auction yard. Police were called to assist.
Warrant Officer Willem Erasmus of the Vryburg K9 Unit responded to the complaint, proceeded to the scene, and worked with the wildlife volunteer to secure the animals and apprehend the suspects. The suspects were subsequently fined for the illegal possession and attempted sale of indigenous wildlife.
The rescued monkeys have been placed in safe care pending their transfer to the relevant Nature Conservation authorities at a registered rehabilitation centre.
Maj Gen Naidoo commended both the community member and the police member for their decisive actions, stating that the incident demonstrates the importance of collaboration between communities, conservation stakeholders, and law enforcement agencies in protecting wildlife heritage. He said the swift response by Warrant Officer Erasmus and the vigilance shown by the wildlife volunteer were highly commendable. He added that the police remain committed to enforcing laws aimed at protecting indigenous wildlife and urged members of the public to report all forms of wildlife crimes.
Naidoo also encouraged communities to continue working closely with law enforcement authorities to combat environmental and wildlife-related crimes.
