Endangered Species

Endangered Species Desk

The desk was established to coordinate and manage the investigation of Endangered species and heritage related crimes from a national perspective. This entails the compiling of statistics monthly, quarterly and annually. It also entails studying these statistics to determine if a pattern is developing and where the problem areas are, in order to advise the provinces and plan operations to counter these problems.

With regard to crimes against endangered species, the focus is on species of fauna and flora which has been termed as potentially threatened (CITES III), endangered (CITES II) and critically endangered (CITES I). The respective provincial ordinances set out in their annexures which species of plants, animals, reptiles, birds and fish are considered as protected (CITES II and III) and specially protected (CITES I and II).

When it is clear (or suspected) that criminal groups are involved in these activities, a project must be developed to address the group/s. A project team will be elected and will have to work on the project until its conclusion, as an additional task to their other daily duties and functions. In some instances the project team will be drawn in from different provinces to address the problem. They will meet monthly to discuss taskings and give feedback to the project leader. Other taskings are then handed out and the team will go and do this work before meeting the following month. The Endangered Species desk only plays a coordination role but also assists with liaison with other role players such as Interpol, US Fish and Wildlife and Customs.

With regard to heritage related crimes, only objects or collections of objects that have been in the country for 60 and 100 years respectively are deemed protected under our legislation. All foreign heritage objects which are protected under the legislation of the country of origin are also protected. Together with the role players such as the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC), Interpol, NCB, Pretoria (IPOC), the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and the South African Museum Association (SAMA), the desk has developed a network to facilitate the flow of information and intelligence. This network was established in 2005 and is now functioning under the name of NALEH. This acronym stands for the “National forum for the Law Enforcement of Heritage related matters”. The forum is currently developing training for staff who are employed at museums and galleries as well as law enforcement officials from the SAPS and Customs.

The Endangered Species Desk is not bound to a specific geographical area in
respect of the performance of its duties.

Duties entail coordination of matters relating to endangered species (projects, investigations and enquiries) at a national level thus assisting the Detective Service and Crime Intelligence Training Academy in respect of courses relating to endangered species and presenting course material.

Participation in national or international operations in respect of endangered species and heritage-related investigations are conducted.

Dealing with general and administrative enquiries which are received from time to time.
Interpretation of crime statistics in order to advise the provinces about crime trends and imminent threats, and managing matters that affect strategic and operational decisions.