A man has been arrested after he allegedly attempted to smuggle 150 live scorpions through Cape Town International Airport.
Image: SAPS / Facebook
A 28-year-old man has been arrested after 150 venomous scorpions were found in his luggage at Cape Town International airport, in an operation on Friday.
Police said in a statement that the Kuilsriver Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit and Cape Nature, received information regarding a person who is in possession of scorpions at the airport.
“ A description of the suspect was obtained and the suspect was apprehended. His luggage bags were searched and 150 live scorpions were found between his clothing. He was arrested under the Nature and Environmental Ordinance Act, being in possession of a wild animal. The value of the scorpions is yet to be determined. The scorpions were transported to a haven for safe keeping,” the statement from the SAPS said.
The man is expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 15 June 2026
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA said in a statement on its Facebook page that the rescued scorpions are currently in its care.
“We will continue to work closely with SAPS and Cape Nature to ensure that these animals receive appropriate care and that arrangements are made for their repatriation to their place of origin where possible. Wildlife trafficking is a cruel and illegal trade that causes immense suffering to animals and threatens biodiversity. We commend the swift action of SAPS and Cape Nature in preventing these animals from disappearing into the illegal wildlife trade.”
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