27/08/2026
News from our border
🚨 BREAKING NEWS: GREEN SCORPIONS CRACK DOWN ON WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING AT NAMIBIA BORDER! 🚨
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), in a massive multi-agency effort, has successfully spearheaded a high-impact, cross-border operation along the South Africa–Namibia border at Vioolsdrift!
Working alongside SAPS, SANParks, the Border Management Authority, and Northern Cape provincial authorities, our law enforcement teams stepped up to defend Mzansi’s most vulnerable natural treasures.
🌿 Key Target Species Protected:
• Button Plants (Conophytum) & Elephant’s Foot (Dioscorea elephantipes): Rare succulents targeted by illegal international ornamental syndicates.
• Armadillo Girdled Lizards (Ouroborus cataphractus): Targeted for the high-profit exotic pet trade.
• Tortoises & Geckos: Poached for illegal pet trade and traditional medicine markets.
Several cases have been registered for illegal possession of endangered species, unlawful plant harvesting, and permit non-compliance!
👏 Hats Off to the Green Scorpions! and partner agencies for standing on the frontlines to defend South Africa’s rich biodiversity.