SPCA rescues four Leopard Tortoises

Rustenburg – What started as a single online tip-off turned into a 10-hour rescue mission for the Rustenburg Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) — ending with four leopard tortoises saved from illegal trade and a deeper look into a growing underground market.

On Friday 4 July 2025, a Rustenburg SPCA inspectorate sprang into action after receiving information about a tortoise being sold on Facebook. Working into the early morning hours of 5 July, the team traced the post to a location near Sun City, where they discovered not one, but four leopard tortoises being held. 

The suspected trader was not present at the scene, but the investigation is ongoing, and the rescue has already uncovered a wider network of illegal wildlife dealings in the area. The rescue mission was made possible through swift support from Sun City Police.

To support these efforts, the public is encouraged to donate:

• Bank: FNB
• Account Number: 53604095349
• Branch Code: 250 655
• Account Type: Cheque
• Reference: Donation

Every rand goes toward saving voiceless animals from abuse and exploitation.