Police confiscate illegal cycad trees

Many of these cycads will die

More than 100 cycads have been confiscated by Eastern Cape conservation officials, following a tip-off from the public. A man was arrested in Berlin, near King Williamstown for illegal possession of the trees. The protected species were found planted in his garden.

The cycads will be taken to the Umtiza Nature Reserve near East London to be replanted, but some of the trees will die. The trees are estimated to be as old as 1000 years. Conservative estimates say they are worth more than R500 000.

The arrested man is currently out on bail of R1000.

Last week, another person was arrested in Port Elizabeth, with 21 cycads. The illegal possession of these plants carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, or a maximum fine of R100 000.