A Cape Town woman has been fined R250 000 or faces four years in prison after being convicted of illegally acquiring, possessing and keeping 145 reptiles, including snakes, geckos and lizards.

Jacqueline Hewett, from Woodstock, was sentenced by the Cape Town Regional Court on 22 October 2026 after being found guilty on six charges relating to the unlawful keeping of wild animals.

According to Cape Etc, the case involved protected, endangered, alien invasive and prohibited reptile species.

145 reptiles discovered at two properties

The offences date back to March 2023, when authorities discovered the reptiles at a shop on Lower Main Road in Observatory and Hewett's residence in Woodstock.

The collection included various species subject to wildlife protection and conservation regulations.

Alongside the R250 000 fine or alternative four-year prison sentence, Hewett received an additional two-year prison sentence, wholly suspended for five years.

The suspended sentence is conditional on her not being convicted of another wildlife-related offence during that period.

The court also banned Hewett from obtaining any authorisation, licence or permit to acquire, possess or keep wild animals in captivity in the Western Cape for five years.

Illegal reptile trade threatens local wildlife

CapeNature has warned that illegally keeping and trading reptiles poses serious risks to the Western Cape's biodiversity.

Removing animals from their natural habitats can reduce wild populations, while illegally traded reptiles may introduce diseases and parasites to indigenous wildlife.

Alien reptiles that escape or are deliberately released into the wild could also become invasive, threatening local species by competing for food and habitat.

These risks are particularly concerning for the province's endemic and threatened reptiles and amphibians.

CapeNature welcomes conviction

CapeNature acting chief executive officer Mbulelo Jacobs welcomed the conviction, saying wildlife crimes carry serious consequences.

He emphasised that wildlife permits play an important role in regulating animal ownership and trade while protecting biodiversity.

CapeNature also commended the South African Police Service's Kuilsrivier Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit and the National Prosecuting Authority for securing the conviction.

The conservation authority has urged residents to report suspected wildlife poaching, illegal trading and unlawful possession of wild animals to the police or relevant conservation authorities.

Anyone intending to acquire, trade or keep wild animals must comply with applicable conservation laws and obtain the necessary permits.