NSPCA welcomes long-awaited reform for lion captivity breeding ban

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CAPE TOWN - The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has  welcomed the announcement by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, on the imminent publication of the Lion Prohibition Notice banning new captive lion breeding facilities.   This long-awaited reform marks a pivotal milestone in dismantling an industry built on systemic cruelty, reflecting years of legal action, public advocacy, and inspections by the NSPCA. The prohibition confirms what the NSPCA has long exposed: the captive lion industry has operated largely unabated for decades, inflicting severe animal welfare violations, damaging South Africa’s conservation reputation, and flouting constitutional obligations to protect sentient beings. While limited to new facilities, this ban sends a clear signal that the commodification of lions for tourism, hunting, and the bone trade is no longer defensible. The NSPCA’s decade-long investigations have laid bare the industry’s brutality. O...
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Alleged child pornography distributor bail application postponed

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RANDBURG - The Randburg Magistrates’ Court postponed the case of the alleged child pornography distributors Darry Wilken(35) and his partner Tiona Moodley(25) to 07 February 2025. Wilken was arrested after a police raid in his Midrand home on 17 January 2025. Following further investigation, Moodley was allegedly linked and subsequently arrested on 25 January 2025, in Houghton.

Both accused face multiple charges, including possession, creation and distribution of child pornography, contravention of the Drug Trafficking Act, multiple counts of money laundering, acquisition, and possession of proceeds from unlawful activities, possession of stolen property and fraud. The arrests emanated from information that was shared by international law enforcement with the South African Police Services (SAPS) after they had identified a target located in South Africa. 

The state alleges that the accused were found in possession of a substantial amount of cash believed to be proceeds from the illicit activities. Furthermore, the state alleged that an investigation by the Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) teams uncovered evidence that the suspect was allegedly hosting and distributing child pornography internationally for financial gain. The police further seized electronic devices allegedly used by the accused in creating and distributing child pornography as well as over 10 million images and videos of child pornography.

Moodley’s electronic devices were also seized, and it is alleged that there was an attempt by her to destroy evidence relating to their conducting of the business shortly after Wilken was arrested, in a ploy to minimise her role in the business. Senior State Advocate Colleen Ryan opposed bail during the proceedings. The defence requested a postponement to prepare a response to the state's affidavit which was compiled by the Investigating Officer.

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