Saudis fined R2m for illegally harvesting plants

THE poaching of indigenous plants by international syndicates is happening on a huge scale, prompting local authorities to call on national government to provide more funding to law enforcement authorities battling the plant thieves.

This comes after three Saudi Nationals were fined R2 million this week for illegally harvesting 1 633 386 indigenous plants, which were found hidden inside their luggage.

Western Cape Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning spokesperson Andricus van der Westhuizen said the poaching of indigenous plants, such as succulents, had increased over the past four years.

During this period, a total of 12 000 plants a month were confiscated by authorities.

This week, the SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the fine imposed on Abdulnaser Mohammed Althenaian, his son, Mohand Abdulnaser Althenaian and Bedah Abdulrahman Albedah by the Vredendal Regional Court.

The trio – Saudis – were arrested last month in the Pofadder-Bitterfontein area of the Northern Cape after being caught in possession of a of illegally harvested indigenous flora. In addition to the fine, the court ordered them to leave South Africa within 48 hours.