Cycads stolen in Limpopo nature reserve

An ecological disaster has taken place in Limpopo where 103 very rare cycads, totaling more than R10 million, have been stolen.

This happened at the Lilly Cycad Reserve inside the Selati Nature Reserve near Phalaborwa. The pre-historic trees are still missing and nobody has been arrested yet.

Farm manager Johan Rossouw says it is obvious that the people who stole the cycads knew exactly what they were looking for.

"Even though the matter is still sub judice, we are working around the clock, investigating together with the South African Police Services on this case. At this point in time, we cannot point fingers at any official," says Phillip Monyepao, the Senior Manager for Regulatory Enforcement at the Limpopo Department of Environment and Tourism.

Cycad experts say American collectors will easily pay R100 000 for a tree.