The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), working together with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA), and local farmers, has arrested three male suspects for the illegal hunting of warthogs with dogs in Kraaipan village near Atamelang.
The arrests were made during a joint law enforcement operation led by the Department’s Biodiversity Enforcement Unit targeting unlawful hunting in the area. The suspects were allegedly found hunting warthogs with dogs, a prohibited practice in terms of the Transvaal Nature Conservation Ordinance 12 of 1983.
Authorities confirmed that the suspects are facing charges relating to the illegal hunting of wildlife, as well as additional charges under the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962 for alleged cruelty and improper treatment of animals.
During the operation, officials confiscated two warthog carcasses believed to have been hunted illegally, three dogs allegedly used during the hunting activity, and a Ford Ranger bakkie. Hunting equipment, including a net, spade, and iron rod, was also seized as evidence.
The suspects appeared before the Atamelang Magistrate’s Court, and the matter was postponed to 17 June 2026 for further investigation and legal processes.
MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, strongly condemned the illegal hunting of wildlife, describing the practice as cruel, unlawful and harmful to the province’s biodiversity.
“Wildlife forms an important part of our environmental heritage and biodiversity economy. Illegal hunting activities not only threaten our ecosystems, but also undermine conservation efforts aimed at protecting species for future generations. We will continue working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those involved in environmental crimes face the full might of the law,” said MEC Lenkopane.
The Department has noted with serious concern the growing trend of illegal dog-hunting activities within the Tswaing Local Municipality, where such practices are increasingly being turned into organised competitions involving underage participants. These unlawful activities often result in the trespassing of private farming properties and place significant pressure on wildlife populations and surrounding ecosystems.
While the use of dogs for hunting may have historical and cultural roots in certain communities, the practice remains prohibited in terms of environmental and animal protection legislation when conducted unlawfully. The Department strongly condemns illegal hunting practices involving dogs, describing them as inhumane, unsustainable and a threat to biodiversity conservation. Offenders found contravening environmental laws will face the full might of the law.
MEC Lenkopane further urged communities to work with authorities by reporting illegal hunting and other environmental crimes, emphasising that protecting natural resources is a shared responsibility.
Members of the public are encouraged to report illegal hunting and other environmental crimes to law enforcement authorities as part of protecting the province’s biodiversity and natural heritage.
Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism
For inquiries, contact:
Thomas Matlapeng
083 687 3649
OR
Mr. Jeremiah Matebesi
072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect / Facebook: @nwdedect