Drop all charges against Gerrie Heyns

Comments

#2

Gerrie has saved so many snakes over the years,and taught people about snakes. Without Gerrie in that area,I am personally sure there would have been a hell of a lot of fatalities. With the shortage of Antivenom at the moment,it is best to contact Gerrie to remove the snakes and release them into the wild again. I respect and admire Gerrie for the work he does.

Blackie Swart (Helderberg, 2023-04-29)

#3

Gerrie does this for the good of the community and the wildlife. Cape Nature should be bending over backwards to make things easier for him instead of trying to stick him in the back. I can promise you THEY would not be rescuing all the snakes Gerrie does. Sandy Struckmeyer: Nat Dipl. Nature Conservation

Sandy Struckmeyer (Robertson, 2023-04-29)

#6

Gerrie has only but helped and educated the community. Myself included many times

Fida Hess (Montagu, 2023-04-29)

#9

Because Gerrie Heyns is an asset to our community and has helped thousands of people in the area. As a teacher I am thankful that someone knowledgeable and professional is prepared to go to the cmmu and teach both workers and their children about snakes. He is an asset to the community

Deirdre Draudsing (Montagu , 2023-04-29)

#11

This man merely protects endangered animals. Relocates them back into their natural habitat and protects human life from highly venomous snakes. I would value his assistance if I should ever be in a position of a venomous snake in my home. Leave the man alone!

Rosemary Thompson (Cape Town, 2023-04-29)

#12

I am aware of what Gerrie is doing for a large region, undersupported by government, and thenconstantly getting issues from them.

Andries Cilliers (Durbanville, 2023-04-29)

#14

I am appalled that anyone can press charges against this person who has done so much for the community

Liana Jansen (MONTAGU, 2023-04-29)

#16

Gerrie does good work for our community

Petrus Jansen (Montagu, 2023-04-29)

#17

I know Gerrie! I follow all the work that he does! I called him a couple of time to remove snakes from areas I was in, so dedicated that he drove out of Montagu to Swellendam to safely remove a boomslang and relocated it a few kilometers later. All at his own expenses!!

Greg Jacobs (Ashton, 2023-04-29)

#19

Gerrie delivers an excellent service to this community and must be provided with a license and allowed to continue his work.

Fred Van de Langenberg (MONTAGU, 2023-04-29)

#23

I believe it is right

Werner Blom (Montagu, 2023-04-29)

#24

Gerrie does amazing work in the area educating people about snakes.
This is an absolute waste of his and tax payers money.
Surely there are more important things to do in courts.
Shame on you Cape Nature for pursuing someone who actually helps nature. Rather work with him than against him.

Colette Kitson (Montagu, 2023-04-29)

#26

I’m signing because Gerrie is performing an invaluable service to the people in Montagu and surrounding towns. It is unacceptable that such a dedicated conservationist should be punished for such petty so-called transgressions.

Lemmy David (Montagu, 2023-04-29)

#29

I’m signing because Gerrie is performing an invaluable service to the people in Montagu and surrounding towns. It is unacceptable that such a dedicated conservationist should be punished for such petty so-called transgressions. I agree with the statement of Lemmy David - Gerrie is providing an invaluable service without which we would have had fatal snake bites in the area.

Ida David (Montagu, 2023-04-29)

#30

I support Gerrie and believe the charges are unfair in the context of what Gerrie does in the local communities and considering his attempts to get a permit.

Geoff Burgess (Swellendam , 2023-04-29)

#31

Gerrie is doing extremely good work by not only capturing unwanted snakes from unwanted places, but educates hundreds of people about snakes, the need for them and how to react when you see them.
Many people as well as snakes have been saved by him and his devoted work for the cause.

Christine Laubscher (Montagu, 2023-04-29)

#32

Mr Heyns, works tirelessly to protect wildlife from harm, is available 24/7 to assist in any emergency

Sandra Nicholls (Montagu, 2023-04-29)

#34

I know that Gerrie does excellent work with regards to the well being, relocation and education in the montagu area, often at his own cost.

Bronwyn Davies (Montagu, 2023-04-29)

#35

I'm signing because Gerrie Heyns has assisted me on more than one occasion with snakes, mainly, Cape cobras. He is ALWAYS available and always ready to educate us. We need our Gerrie Heyns. He is valuable to us and appreciated by us.
Yvette Raffanti
Montagu

Yvette Raffanti (Montagu, 2023-04-29)

#36

I’m signing this because of the amount of help and good Gerrie does for others without remuneration is so amazing. Cape Nature must assist him and drop all fines please.

Norah Lane (Montagu, 2023-04-29)

#38

I know that Gerrie would never do anything to harm animals of any kind and doesn't deserve to be treated like this.

Christine Hughes (Western Cape, 2023-04-29)

#39

Gerrie is a true professional snake handler, with only the best interests for the public.

Hilda Moll (Montagu, 2023-04-29)

#40

Without the selfless actions of Gerrie Heyns, I have no doubt that many many town dwellers, farm workers, family members and children in the Langeberg would have been bitten by venomous snakes, with almost certainly fatalities. Through his call-outs at all times of the day, gratis to the public, to his educational lessons he gives - thank heavens we have Gerrie Heyns!

Peter Henstock (McGregor, 2023-04-29)

#42

I feel Mr Heyns is doing a wonderful job for our town. He has great regard for animals and is always willing to teach children how to deal with them in the correct manner

Stephanie Terblanche (Montgu, 2023-04-29)

#43

Gerrie is a very important part of the Montagu community. He has assisted us on relocating snakes on a number of occasions. He educates us as property owners as well as our staff on how to handle situations when confronted with snakes. We are very grateful for his knowledge and how he treats these creatures whose spaces we have invaded.
We hope that all charges against him are dropped and that he be assisted by Cape Nature to acquire all the relevant certification required.

Kim Katzke (Montagu , 2023-04-29)

#44

Gerrie does so much for the people and the children, educating them on snakes

Jenny Henman (Montagu , 2023-04-29)

#45

Gerrie has really good intentions and are always concerned about the well being and handling of all snakes aswell as the people of our community

Chantal Van der walt (Montagu, 2023-04-29)

#48

I firmly believe that Gerrie Heins does extraordinary work by removing (poisonous) snakes at no cost from houses/farms in the area and educating the public. He should be issued with his license fortwith by Cape Nature, and apologies made. Gerrie deserves an award, no charge.

Wijtse Looijenga (Montagu South Afric, 2023-04-29)

#49

Gerrie is doing a great job to protect people, but also educate the public, mostly at his own expense.
I myself, find it hard to imagine that this honest hardworking man, is punished because Cape Nature is failing to get him his licence.
Gerrie doesn't deserve this, he needs a reward, not to be punished!

Astrid Looijenga-Meijman (Montagu , 2023-04-29)

#50

The charges against Gerrie seem trumped-up, or just ridiculous. Either way, Gerrie is a boon to the Montagu community, and he should be allowed to carry on with the incredibly valuable work he does without being hindered by such ridiculous charges.

Francois Tredoux (Montagu, 2023-04-29)

#51

This man has made huge in roads regarding negative attutude of local rural comunities as well as education of our younger scholistic generation. Not only in the protection of reptiles but also in vital education in safety measures for their own protection. These charges are ludicrous and unwarranted, not to say a total waste of money that could be better utilised for other desperately needed community needs.

Betty Werth (Montagu, 2023-04-29)

#52

Let this man do his job the way he has for many years. He is a credit to our community.

Hilton Preston (montagu , 2023-04-29)

#54

Gerrie is always available to help if we have a snake and takes them to a safe location

Lesley Blackburn (Montagu , 2023-04-29)

#55

Gerry does such amazingly good work for our wildlife and our community💜

Jean Stewart (Montagu, 2023-04-29)

#56

Gerrie is doing a great work to educate people about snake species.

Judy Le Roux (Montagu , 2023-04-29)

#58

Gerrie Heyns provides a service assisting people from danger by removing such danger and nobody gets hurt. Even the reptile is let loose back into nature and if injured, taken care of at his own expense. I think it is offensive that the same people accusing him have impeded him from obtaining the necessary licence and then to add insult ask him to give presentations on the very topic they are accusing him of. I strongly feel that all charges need to be dropped and his licence given to him so that he can continue to do the good work he has been doing so far.

Lee Pretorius (Montagu, Western Cape , 2023-04-29)

#61

Ek glo Gerrie is onskuldig. Hy doen geweldig baie vir die gemeenskap.hy hanteer die diere met baie baie respek.ek glo dit is n onregverdige aksie teen hom!

Martine Metelerkamp (Montagu, 2023-04-29)

#62

Gerrie Heyns has done nothing wrong.

Lisa van Zyl-Jones (Robertson , 2023-04-29)

#63

It matters. Thanks to Gerrie

Erna Cooper (Montagu, 2023-04-29)

#64

Friend of Gerrie

Robin Ouwenkamp (Montagu , 2023-04-29)

#65

Gerrie provides valuable support in removing poisonous snakes from residents properties and placing the creatures back in their natural environment, without any disruption to communities or to our ecology. The charges levelled against him seem unreasonable and does not recognise the public service he provides to residents and preservation of our natural environment.

Philip Armstrong (Montagu, 2023-04-29)

#67

I know how valuable, the work that he does is. He doesn't even charge people for the services he provides. He provides valuable services to the community. Criminals should be changed not people helping the community.

Perumal Pillay (Montagu , 2023-04-29)

#69

Gerrie has been wrongly accused, it is an absolute nonsense.

Maxime Grethen (Barrydale, 2023-04-29)

#70

Gerrie is an extraordinary contributor and of huge benefit to the greater community of the Robertson & Montagu region. He is selfless in his rescue of particularly snakes and will at all times ensure the safety of humans & animals, never requesting payment. To even consider charging Gerrie is a travesty and a disservice to our greater community!!

Karen Loubser (Robertson , 2023-04-29)

#71

Getting permits is a problem in this country. Yet we snake rescuers are the ones saving people's lives and snakes lives.

James Tutty (Roodepoort, 2023-04-29)

#74

I support Gerrie Heynes. He does incredible work towards the conservation of snakes and such a petty charge against should be dropped.

Alison van Schalkwyk (Mossel Bay, 2023-04-29)

#75

This is nothing short of diabolically disgusting and the authorities should be beyond shamefull of this disgusting behaviour. Gerrie Heyns has done an incredible amount for conservation and this is nothing short of absolute abuse of power.

Warren Schmidt (Johannesburg, 2023-04-29)

#76

Gerrie is doing incredible work in protecting snakes and educating people about them

Kobus Smit (Montagu , 2023-04-29)

#80

I know Gerrie personally and he taught me lots about catching and releasing snakes. Under no circumstances would Gerrie do anything to harm snakes or members of the public. His only goal is conservation and education

Rudolf Visagie (Cape Town, 2023-04-29)

#81

I'm signing because I fully support Gerrie Heyns in this matter.... He rescues and removes snakes at his own costs.... he is a real gentleman and should be treated with great respect. On the one charge...of supposedly transporting a ball python..... in the meantime...how many petshops are openly selling ball pythons? Come on... leave Gerrie alone and go after real crime committers....

Wayne Vlotman (Johannesburg South, 2023-04-29)

#82

I'm signing because it's ridiculous that us snake handlers cannot do awareness talks for education purposes even though there is a massive demand for these talks and now more than ever with the current stock shortage of antivenom with nine currently being produced let alone anytime soon. We do snake removals on a daily basis and get many requests for awareness talks but Caoe Nature doesn't so these things themselves even though are the ones getting paid salaries and should be doing it themselves but they don't and would rather try fine us but then why not allow us who do it mostly at our own expense and put our lives at risk daily handling and safely relocating them as there is a serious need for this service. Get your act together Cape Nature!!!

Justin Godwin (George, 2023-04-29)

#83

I met Gerry once to remove a protected spider and he was so good in his knowlegde and i can not believe that noone gave him a permit yet!
he is an amazing guy that just cares about animals!
please guys we have other stiff to worry, than about a guy that just does the best for community and wild life!

Larissa Conradie (6720, 2023-04-29)

#85

Gerrie helped to educate pupils at our farm school. He does an excellent job in the community and goes out of his way to help when needed.

Shelly Lourens (Robertson, 2023-04-29)

#87

Gerrie is a great guy. Doing so much for the community and not asking anything in return.

Giniel Cornelissen (Cape Town, 2023-04-29)

#89

Gerrie lives his passion and is a law abiding citizen who will use his last money to put gas in his car to rescue a snake. He should not pay for the sloppy and feet dragging syndrome of Government.

Olin Kiewietz (Montagu, 2023-04-29)

#90

Gerrie is doing an exceptional job. Saving lives of people and snakes. How is that a crime. I suppprt him 100 percent to continue what he is doing. Please drop the charges and focus on the real criminals .

Julia Davids (Eerste river, 2023-04-29)

#91

Gerrie Heyns does so much good for communities surounding him with wild life education and relocating wild animals he does not need these charges as he does all his work on donations

Wessel Erasmus (Swellendam , 2023-04-29)

#93

His work is very important!

Esther Van Riemsdijk (Bussum, 2023-04-29)

#94

I believe he is not guilty as Cape nature has by implication given permission

Margaret Dearlove (Montagu, 2023-04-29)

#95

I can not understand why you need to feel it necessary to persecute this man. His passion for snake is amazing and he educates kids and adult not just to kill snakes.

Elise Oosthuizen (Durban , 2023-04-29)

#98

Gerrie Heyns is a total pro who has my utmost respect. The only "crime" here seems to be on the part of Cape Nature. Please drop all charges against Gerrie Heyns. Thank you.

Bill HUSETH (MINNEAPOLIS, 2023-04-29)

#100

Gerrie Heyns does incredible work for the protection and conservation of snakes. He deserves to be supported in his efforts and not fined or penalised. Please remove this charge and allow Gerrie to continue his good work.

Russell Perks (Suurbraak, 2023-04-29)

#101

Gerrie has been educating the community and keeping us safe for many years. Many times he drives many kilometers without remuneration to release the snakes in safe areas. This charge is utterly ridiculous!

Patsy Lourens (Montagu , 2023-04-29)

#103

Gerry renders a very critical community service and has saved many people from possible death. Given the fact that anti-venom is currently not available, this service is even more important.

Elsje Carstens (Montagu, 2023-04-29)

#105

I too have been fined by cape nature and know the frustration Gerrie's feeling. Cape Natures rules are outdated and draconian. They shouldn't be policing people's pets.

Ian Macaskill (Cape Town , 2023-04-29)

#106

Mr Heyns would never knowingly break the law. In fact he does invaluable community work.

Lalena Mitchley (Cape Town, 2023-04-29)

#107

Gerrit is doing a good job on educating people about snakes and I absolutely believe that he would not deliberately break law. Cape nature should have made the rules clear and assisted him in getting a proper permit before asking him to do education sessions.

Hannelie Reinhardt (Germiston, 2023-04-29)

#108

I don't believe Gerrie would do anything to harm a living creature and personally have learnt alot from his posts and education regarding snakes. The world needs more people like him. Fining him would be a failure in the justice system. There are real criminals out there. Time should be spent finding them instead of wasting time on nonsense like these charges

Brya Sanderson (Harare, 2023-04-29)

#109

Gerrie is a rockstar, removing problem reptiles from private homes and institutions, at his own cost day and night. Killing native reptiles is not fround upon, trying to do the decent, humane and right thing he gets slapped with charges against him. Failing to do your part does not constitute singeling a individual, especially not one that is doing your job for you.

Johan Webb (Pretoria, 2023-04-29)

#110

Gerrie is doing an amazing job in aid of snake awareness, safety and education.

Elizma Dreyer (Moorreesburg, 2023-04-29)

#111

Gerrie is a knowledgeable snake catcher, always acting in the best interest of the animal and human safety. He is always ready to help and does this free of charge! Cape Nature should assist people like him in stead of keeping themselves busy with this kind of pettiness.

Bes Greyling (Montagu , 2023-04-29)

#114

The man needs to be assisted in the proper way, as a token of acknowledgement for the good work he does.

Wayne de Winnaar (Ponta Delgada, 2023-04-29)

#115

Gerrie does a lot for nature conservation and is law abiding.

Trevor Dale (Bloemfontein, 2023-04-29)

#118

I'm signing this petition to stop a travesty of justice! Gerrie Heyns is a dedicated conservationist who should not be charged because of bureaucratic inefficiency.

Jean Mitchell (Montagu, 2023-04-30)

#119

Gerrie has only done great and I feel the state is not supporting him in the great work!

Dewald Preez (Heidelberg, 2023-04-30)

#121

Gerrit Heyns have been an amazing influence not only in his town and surroundings educating people with positive snake awareness but on social media all across the country, assisting anyone who needs information, from identifying a snake to keeping the public safe and saving the lives of snakes while doing so. His teaching plays a massive role in promoting the importance and appreciation of the lives of snakes in our environments.
This fine is ridiculous as he has dedicated his life to preserve snake lives and educating us, human beings, FREE of charge. He is a public servant should be praised for his work, not criticized. In fact, Cape Nature might want to take a few courses from Gerrie on public service and animal protection, and most importantly, on how to do the work they get PAID to do.
It's a very sad day if any court cannot see the importance of his work and the hypocrisy of Cape Nature.

Esme Esterhuyse (Durbanville , 2023-04-30)

#122

I think that it is ridiculous to prosecute someone for providing a service which the state is unable/unwilling to do, especially now that the state is unable to supply the antivenom needed to save lives in the event of a bite from a venomous snake.

Gavin Falck (George, 2023-04-30)

#125

Gerrie Heyns is one of the best Snake Experts and Snake Rescuers in South Africa. He has been on the frontline of snake conservation for many years now and has helped countless people prevent thousands of snakebites. Gerrie is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met and for Cape Nature to go against someone who constantly goes out of his way to help others is utterly appalling. The public service that Gerrie offers is invaluable to the conservation reptiles and the well-being of the communities he serves in the Western Cape.

Robert Wedderburn - Producer of the documentary series “Snake Heroes”

Robert Wedderburn (Durban, 2023-04-30)

#127

A man that has contributed significantly to the preservation of reptiles in the Wine-lands area should not be treated in such manner. Cape Nature should retract such a ridiculous charge against Gerrie

DJMS Collet Serret (Hermanus, 2023-04-30)

#128

Gerrie is an asset to his community.

James Lawrence (Franschhoek , 2023-04-30)

#130

Gerry is a wonderful person. Helping, informing and educating people and has not done anything wrong on purpose. He is only doing what his is passionate about. Please give him his licence so he can continue doing good.

Estelle Coetzee (Montagu , 2023-04-30)

#131

People that provide valuable services at their own cost should be assisted, not restricted!!

Steph van der Linde (Montagu , 2023-04-30)

#132

I believe the work that Gerrie does is invaluable & Cape Nature should assist him in his efforts to educate & conserve, not penalize him.

Dean Boshoff (Durban, 2023-04-30)

#133

Gerrie does fantastic work. These charges are ludicrous to say the least. Your department needs to wake up.

Michelle Crawford (Gauteng , 2023-04-30)

#134

I believe that the charges are misguided. One cannot educate without demonstration. Cape Nature is giving mixed messages.

Zania Collin (Pretoria, 2023-04-30)

#135

The work Gerrie does is ourely because he loves it. He does a good job, and fining him for doing this is totally unfair. Gerrie has taught me a lot and i look up to him and what he does!

Sashalee Pelser (Vryburg, 2023-04-30)

#136

Because Cape Nature should pull themselves together and apologize for their poor organization which makes it near impossible to get permits on time. I know what a mess wildlife offices are in South Africa. They employ people who are not fit or motivated for their jobs. A disgrace for the whole nation. If you need proof just have a detailed look at the new TOPS list. The species taken off of the new list are some of the most trafficked and those added are some of the most common snakes around. Shocking.

Tim Brammer (Lilongwe, 2023-04-30)

#137

Gerrie Heyns is an extraordinary man who works tirelessly to educate people about snakes, as well as saving countless snakes' lives. He should be honoured for his contribution to South African wildlife!

Lin Clarke (Arden, 2023-04-30)

#138

This man has spent so much time educating people and helping with the safe removal of snakes. He has been to numerous schools...why now all of the sudden has he changed into a 'monster' endangering the lives of snakes and people? Why not contact all previous schools and ask for their feedback...this man is not a monster as made out to be

Lise Barnard (Robertson , 2023-04-30)

#140

Gerrie is doing an amazing job and helping save lives without any compensation out of his own volition person.

Marthinus Jacobs (Velddrif , 2023-04-30)

#141

Good work is being hindered by government bureaucracy

John Nel (Nottingham Road , 2023-04-30)

#143

It's ridiculous that when they want him to educate then it's OK but when he does do it for children then they charge him, double standards.

Michael Wainwright (Hermanus, 2023-04-30)

#144

Gerrie does great work in the community. He even saves lives because there is a chance that many people may have died if they tried to remove a snake by themselves instead of phoning Gerrie to do it. He deserves a medal, not a fine.

Dewald Saunders (Robertson, 2023-04-30)

#145

It appears these charges are unfair towards a person voluntarily assisting a community. Cape Nature should provide assistance in granting the necessary Licence’s and all charges should be dropped.

Wendy Lucas (Bettys’s Bay, 2023-04-30)

#147

I too am a snake catcher and am aware of the great work he does to protect reptiles and educate people for their safety and educate them for the protection of reptiles. Its crazy to think that one of the genuinely good guys is being charged for doing good.

Jose De Nobrega (Fourways , 2023-04-30)

#148

Gerrie does a thankless job with knowledge and humility. He always makes an effort to educate people on snake safety and their role in nature. His social media posts has been helpful and educational to me. It is a shame that 'paperwork' is standing in the way of him delivering an invaluable service to the community.

Theresa Willmot (Napier, 2023-04-30)

#151

Gerrie Heyns has probably saved more lives by safely removing and relocating highly venomous snakes, at huge risk to himself, than all at Cape Nature together. My opinion is that they are being totally silly in trying to charge him and should be helping him and other snake handlers to be able to safely remove snakes. The talks he does are also highly educational and informative and these alone save both the lives of people and pets, as well as the snakes. Cape Nature please grow up and act like adults here.

Byrone Billings (Durbanville , 2023-04-30)

#152

Gerrie does so much in the community for the education of snakes. Always willing to assist when there is a snake on the property.

Michele Reid (Montagu, 2023-04-30)

#155

I believe that Gerrie delivers vital services to the community, keeping people and animals safe. He should be assisted in getting the permit he needs to do so, instead of being vilified.

Nicole Joubert (Cape Town, 2023-04-30)

#157

Cape Nature cuts the hands off of the people in the community trying to help animals and the environment by educating the public. Gerrie saves lives by teaching children and adults how to react when they see a snake, all at zero charge using his own personal money plus his time! He should be hailed a hero by Cape Nature, instead he is being burned at the stake.

Leanne Ragaller (Cape Town , 2023-04-30)

#158

Gerrie is doing an excellent job removing snakes(more often than not at his own cost) helping to keep both humans and snakes safe. For Cape Natireto ask him to do educational talks and demonstrations with his snakes but not issuing him the permits he needs to do so is just gross negligence. How can you ask someone to do something but refuse to provide him with the necessary permit? I hope the necessary people will see and realize that the problem lies somewhere else and not with what you're doing. Keep up the good work Gerrie, you make this world a better place with one snake removal and one educational talk at a time. Those educational talks will safe someone's life in the future.

Hanna Maree (Middelburg , 2023-04-30)

#160

Educating people on snakes is very important. It is too easy just to kill these creatures instead of relocating them. If more people understand them, perhaps they won't be so afraid of them. If conservation can't do this important job, they should embrace those who can, and give them all their support

Tracey Roods (Harrismith , 2023-04-30)

#162

This is madnes

Amelia Nel (Montagu, 2023-04-30)

#163

Gerrit does invaluable work in the community, by both educationing the children in schools and by relocating snakes to safer areas away from human habitats.

Taryn Rossouw (Montagu, 2023-04-30)

#166

I'm signing because Gerrie is there to aducate people of the dangers of snakes and also do catch dangerous snakes to protect the community as to well protect snakes to been killed by people.

Mornay Thysse (Oudtshoorn , 2023-04-30)

#167

For just over 5 years our family was fortunately blessed having this wonderful Heyns family as neighbors. I have witnessed Gerrie doing snake call outs at ridiculous hours, mostly at his own cost. I have only seen animals being rescued, nurtured, being well treated, healed and helped with the utmost of care and empathy.

I have personally had a snake (pofadder) removed late one evening from our yard by Gerrie. Not to mention all the other times his wife happily assisted me with personal medical crisis's.

With Gerrie's immaculate professional know-how, unmeasurable great people's skills, professional mannerisms he has always been more than willing to help, taking quick action, always considering everyone's safety first and making it a priority to help the animals.

Gerrie Heyns is of utmost value to the community, educating young and old -- essentially he is saving 1000's of lives!!

Gerrie needs to be granted every possible lisence to continue the phenomenal and irreplaceable work he does. All charges needs to be dropped, and the court needs to grant Gerrie Heyns compensation for having to endure unnecessary legal action taken against him.

Danette Douglas (Mosselbay, 2023-04-30)

#168

Gerrie should not be charged

Wilma Augustyn (Montagu, 2023-04-30)

#169

I agree the charges should be dropped. I agree that Cape Nature asked him for assistance and therefore they know him as a respectable and professional snake catcher in the area.

Nico Vorster (Montagu, 2023-04-30)

#171

Great assistant from a dedicated person

Peter Gee (Montagu , 2023-04-30)

#172

Gerrie heyns helps people all the time

Galton Brummer (Capetown, 2023-04-30)

#173

Gerrie has applied for a license and helps the community hugely at his own costs

Carrol Gee (Montagu, 2023-04-30)

#174

This man has not committed a crime,

Michelle Jansen (Sittingbourne , 2023-04-30)

#175

l feel Gerrie has been unfairly charged, his contribution to the good of the community should be recognised and he should be assisted by the authorities to carty out his valuable work with the correct legally required documentation, not prosecuted for it.

Margaret Atkins (Monmouth, 2023-04-30)

#176

Gerry is a huge asset to Montagu and surrounding areas in advising and assisting in the removal of snakes in residents houses and dwellings.

Kenneth Cook (Montagu, 2023-04-30)

#178

Gerrymandering has safely removed snakes off my property and I am very grateful for tge community service, education and respect he's always given.

Tessa Bruning (Barrydale , 2023-04-30)

#180

CN is like most government agencies COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY incompetent, ussless and pathetic. If they could inly do a quarter of advocacy, education and preservation as Gerrie is doing, they might resemble something that validates their jurisdiction and relevance. This whole "charge" is evidence of their small minded, redundant authority. GET A REAL JOB, CAPE NATURE!! You are PATHETIC!! We are sick and tired of your power tripping and bullying!!!!!!!

Nicci Engelbrecht (George, 2023-04-30)

#182

I believe Gerrie does good work in protecting our community and education. Why was he not granted a permit yet?

Michelle Martens (Cape town, 2023-04-30)

#184

Drop all cases against Gerrie. He is doing so much for all the communities. Saving peoples lives and educate all of us about snakes.

Maroenay Kuhn (Ashton , 2023-04-30)

#185

Mr. Heyns provides a valuable service to the communities in and around the Langeberg/Klein Karoo/Winelands region. His passionate dedication to helping the community deal with human-wildlife conflicts in a responsible way, so as to avoid undesirable consequences to people and the resources, wildlife and their habitat. Mr. Heyns applies his knowledge and vast experience, in particular to the identification, capture and relocation of venomous snakes. Mr. Heyns renders an invaluable service in improving community education and perception of snakes on his own accord. The relevant authorities should rather assist Mr. Heyns in a positiv way, where possible, than seek to prosecute him for helping the community, when the relevant government authority is unable to do so.

Kurt Schmidt (Montagu , 2023-04-30)

#187

The authorities need to apply discretion in this particular case. They are generally slow and inconsistent. The circumstances and character of the individual need to be considered. There are far more serious crimes being committed by syndicates and even other individuals who are overlooked because they are not so-called soft targets. Or are the authorities pressing the charges threatened by this individual?

Cheryl Mulder-Verbruggen (Montagu, 2023-04-30)

#189

Gerrie does incredible, selfless work for his community and its reptiles, for either little to no payment.
These charges are ludicrous.

Nick Evans (Durban, 2023-04-30)

#191

I phoned Gerrie on several Cations about snakes on our premises. Even on a trail walk in george to help with identification of a snake. He is always willing to help with no hesitation.

Sanett Badenhorst (Mosselbaai, 2023-04-30)

#193

Firstly the state departments cannot ID snakes and who will save them. Is it then more legal to kill them

Colin Hill (Mogale City, 2023-04-30)

#194

Gerrie does amazing work educating people about snakes.

Linda Leske (Milnerton, 2023-04-30)

#195

He is innocent

Rolien Terblanche (Montagu, 2023-04-30)

#196

Gerrie has been a family friend for many year and I’ve learnt huge amounts from following him and his snake rescue work!
He is selfless and passionate about wildlife of any kind! The fact that he is being charged for something, that is not his fault and for something false, is Absolutely disgusting and ridiculous!
All charges should be dropped and Cape Nature should be held accountable.

Quin Rademan (Cape Town, 2023-04-30)

#197

Gerrie performs an invaluable service. These charges are a disgrace!

Hazel Fraser (Somerset West , 2023-04-30)

#199

This man has been going above and beyond to ensure not only our properties, but our families and animals are safe from harmful snakes. He removes these danger creatures at his own expense, care for them, ensure they are healthy before he rehome them back in nature. What a standup guy he is. Been following him for years now and Gerrie will always have my vote.

Chene Pakeman (Amanzimtoti , 2023-04-30)

#200

I recieved training on snake handling for African Snakebite Institute where Gerrie was my instructor.

I also know out of personal experience that Cape Nature is slow in issueing permits and trying to contact them is close to impossible.

Walter Carstens (Brackenfell, 2023-04-30)