A clip showing a man apparently offering a live snake for sale at a busy Cape Town intersection has sparked a formal investigation into illegal wildlife trade and animal welfare concerns.
Screenshot from Van Die Plain on Facebook
According to IOL, the footage was filmed at the corner of Swartklip and Spine roads andquickly gained traction on social media. Viewers raised concerns about both the legality of the sale and the wellbeing of the reptile. Authorities have since stepped in.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA confirmed that inspectors are working to identify and locate the individual seen in the video. Officials stressed that trading indigenous wildlife on the street is unlawful and raises serious welfare red flags. Earlier, CapeNature initiated its own investigation. Provincial legislation requires permits to capture, transport, keep or sell indigenous reptiles. Without proper authorisation, such activities constitute an offence.
According to SPCA Inspectorate Supervisor Rudolph Philander, the snake appears to resemble either a Brown House Snake or a Mole Snake, both species native to the Western Cape. Regardless of the exact identification, he noted that selling wildlife without permits is prohibited under provincial law.
The applicable legislation includes the Western Cape Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974, which regulates activities involving indigenous fauna. Enforcement agencies treat violations seriously, particularly where animal welfare is compromised.
Inspectors also expressed concern about the animal’s condition. Removing snakes from their natural habitat, handling them improperly and confining them without suitable food, water and shelter can result in significant stress and health deterioration. Philander warned that if the reptile remains in private possession without appropriate care, its chances of survival are low.
SPCA teams responded to the reported location on the same day the complaint was received. By the time inspectors arrived, the individual had already left the area.
Authorities are urging members of the public with relevant information to contact the SPCA hotline to assist the ongoing investigation.
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