SKILPADJIES SLAUGHTERED

Nineteen slaughtered tortoises were discovered at the Table Bay Nature Reserve on Saturday, setting off alarm bells about illegal wildlife trade in Cape Town.

The tortoises were found along a footpath near the reserve’s Environmental Education Centre, with only their empty shells remaining. 

Officials from the City of Cape Town suspect the animals were “shucked and harvested” for meat or traditional purposes.

Police are currently searching for two men who entered the reserve earlier that day under the guise of fishing.

City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrew said: “This is a serious case of animal cruelty and a violation of environmental protection laws. 

“These beautiful creatures were brutally killed, their shells broken open and discarded.”

Photographs and video footage of the suspects’ vehicle have been handed to police, CapeNature, and the SPCA for investigation.

While the killings have horrified Capetonians, wildlife experts say they are not an isolated incident.

CapeNature spokesperson Luke Foln added: “Tortoises form part of the larger illegal reptile trade and are commonly poached. 

“The markets for South African reptiles include local as well as Asian, European, and North American buyers.”

Folb said tortoises are targeted for multiple reasons — the pet trade being the most common, followed by traditional medicine and, increasingly, bushmeat. 

He added: “The bushmeat trade is a fairly new tendency.”

The SPCA’s Wildlife Department is working closely with conservation services and has offered a R5 000 reward for information leading to a conviction.