A North West police officer has been hailed a hero after rescuing two monkeys before they were allegedly traded unlawfully at an auction yard in Vryburg.
On Tuesday, provincial police spokesperson Col Adele Myburgh said the dramatic rescue unfolded on the morning of May 8, after a wildlife rehabilitation volunteer and farmers attending the auction spotted a couple allegedly attempting to sell the tied-up animals.
He and the concerned community members immediately alerted authorities after realising the monkeys were allegedly being traded unlawfully.
“Understanding the urgency of the matter, police were called for assistance,” said Myburgh.
Suspects apprehended
He said Warrant Officer Willem Erasmus of the Vryburg K9 Unit responded swiftly to the complaint and rushed to the scene, where he worked together 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,” Myburgh said.
The rescued monkeys were later placed in safe care pending their transfer to the relevant nature conservation authorities at a registered rehabilitation centre.
Praise for cop’s vigilance
Acting North West provincial police commissioner Maj-Gen Dr Ryno Naidoo praised the actions of Erasmus and the wildlife volunteer, saying the incident highlighted the importance of collaboration between communities, conservation groups and law enforcement agencies in protecting wildlife.
“The swift response by Warrant Officer Erasmus and the vigilance shown by the wildlife volunteer are highly commendable,” Naidoo said.
Naidoo also urged members of the public to report environmental and wildlife-related crimes and encouraged communities to continue working closely with law enforcement agencies.
The touching rescue has warmed hearts online, with many animal lovers praising the officer and residents who intervened to save the visibly distressed monkeys from the illegal trade.
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- A North West police officer, Warrant Officer Willem Erasmus, rescued two monkeys from illegal trade at an auction yard in Vryburg on May 8.
- The rescue was initiated after a wildlife volunteer and local farmers spotted the tied-up monkeys being sold unlawfully and alerted authorities.
- Erasmus responded swiftly, secured the animals with the volunteer, and apprehended the suspects who were fined for illegal possession and attempted sale of indigenous wildlife.
- The rescued monkeys were placed in safe care and are set to be transferred to a registered rehabilitation centre under the nature conservation authorities.
- The incident highlighted the importance of community and law enforcement cooperation in wildlife protection, earning praise from the provincial police commissioner and animal lovers online.
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On Tuesday, provincial police spokesperson Col Adele Myburgh said the dramatic rescue unfolded on the morning of May 8, after a wildlife rehabilitation volunteer and farmers attending the auction spotted a couple allegedly attempting to sell the tied-up animals.
He and the concerned community members immediately alerted authorities after realising the monkeys were allegedly being traded unlawfully.
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He said Warrant Officer Willem Erasmus of the Vryburg K9 Unit responded swiftly to the complaint and rushed to the scene, where he worked together with the wildlife volunteer to secure the animals and apprehend the suspects.
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Naidoo also urged members of the public to report environmental and wildlife-related crimes and encouraged communities to continue working closely with law enforcement agencies.
Visit SW YouTube Channel for our video content
