PROJECT: THE ILLEGAL SHOOTING OF HADEDAS IN SOUTH AFRICA'S PROTECTED WETLANDS AND ITS LEGAL AND CRIMINAL IMPLICATIONS
- isabels39
- Aug 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 21
PLEASE SHARE THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT
South Africa’s wetlands are critical ecosystems that support biodiversity, regulate water quality, and provide habitat for numerous bird species. Among these species is the Hadeda Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash),
a common sight in urban and rural areas.
Hadedas play an important ecological role by controlling insect and invertebrate populations.
While their loud calls are sometimes unpopular with residents, they remain a protected indigenous bird in many provinces, meaning that killing, capturing, or harming them without lawful authority is illegal.
LEGAL PROTECTION OF HADEDAS AND WETLANDS:
CONSERVATION LEGISLATION:
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT/BIODIVERSITY ACT 10 OF 2004 (NEMBA)
Prohibits the hunting, killing, capturing, or possession of any listed or protected species without the required permit.
The penalties are a fine of up to R10 million and/or imprisonment of up to 10 years for serious offences.
PROVINCIAL NATURE CONSERVATION ORDINANCES/ACTS
In provinces such as Gauteng, hadedas are listed as protected wild birds under conservation schedules.
Hunting or killing them without a valid permit is prohibited.
ANIMAL WELFARE LEGISLATION:
ANIMALS PROTECTION ACT 71 OF 1962:
Criminalises any act that causes unnecessary suffering to an animal, including wild birds.
Shooting with a firearm, bow, or air rifle, resulting in injury or prolonged death, may lead to prosecution for cruelty.
The penalties are fines or imprisonment of up to 3 years.
FIREARMS AND PUBLIC SAFETY LAWS:
FIREARMS CONTROL ACT 60 OF 2000:
Makes it an offence to discharge a firearm in a built-up or public area without lawful cause.
MUNICIPAL BYLAWS:
Many municipalities prohibit the discharge of any firearm or air rifle in residential, parkland, or wetland areas.
CRIMINAL OFFENCES IN SHOOTING HADEDAS:
An individual who shoots hadedas in a protected wetland could face multiple concurrent charges:
WILDLIFE CRIME:
Contravening NEMBA and/or provincial conservation laws.
ANIMAL CRUELTY:
Under the Animals Protection Act.
ILLEGAL FIREARM DISCHARGE:
Under the Firearms Control Act and the relevant bylaws.
PUBLIC ENDANGERMENT:
If the discharge occurs near people, pets, or property.
Each charge carries separate penalties, meaning offenders could face cumulative sentences if convicted on multiple counts.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND COMMUNITY IMPACT:
ECOLOGICAL HARM:
Removal of insect predators can disrupt the wetland food chain.
BIODIVERSITY LOSS:
Wetlands are themselves protected ecosystems, and harm to their wildlife undermines conservation objectives.
PUBLIC SAFETY RISKS:
Firearm discharge in populated or recreational areas poses a direct risk to human safety.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS:
Wildlife killings can cause public outrage and erode trust within communities.
ENFORCEMENT AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES:
REPORTING STRUCTURES:
South African Police Service (SAPS) – for firearm and criminal matters.
Provincial Nature Conservation Authorities – for environmental law violations.
NSPCA/SPCA – for animal cruelty cases.
EVIDENCE COLLECTION:
Photograph carcasses, record dates and times, and note witness details.
AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS:
Inform communities about the legal status of hadedas and the consequences of harming them.
SURVEILLANCE:
Install CCTV or wildlife monitoring systems in sensitive wetland zones.
The shooting of hadedas in South Africa’s wetlands is a serious criminal and environmental offence.
It violates conservation laws, animal welfare legislation, and public safety regulations.
Penalties can be severe, including large fines, imprisonment, and the loss of firearm licences.
Specialised Security Services emphasises the importance of community vigilance, immediate reporting,
and strict law enforcement to protect South Africa’s natural heritage and ensure the safety of people and wildlife.
Specialised Security Services takes wildlife crimes seriously.
If you witness the illegal killing of hadedas or any other protected species, report it immediately.
We will work with law enforcement to ensure offenders face the full extent of the law.
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.
This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:
1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.
2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:
3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.
4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.
ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.
STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.
POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv
SSS TASK TEAM:
Copyright © 2015- PRESENT | Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services | All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services
PO Box 15075 Lynn East
Pretoria, Gauteng 0039
South Africa
Add us to your address book
THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT WAS INTENDED TO BE SHARED, PLEASE DO SO.
