The recent brutal poaching of 19 Angulate Tortoises at the Table Bay Nature Reserve has sent shockwaves through the community and conservation circles alike. Staff members of the reserve made the gruesome discovery on the morning of 1 November 2025, stumbling upon empty shells scattered along footpaths leading to the Environmental Education Centre. This shocking incident has sparked outrage among city officials, wildlife advocates, and citizens dedicated to protecting South Africa's unique biodiversity. It is evident that these tortoises did not perish naturally; they were deliberately targeted. The violators removed the tortoises from their shells, indicating that they were harvested for their meat or for traditional uses. "This is a serious case of animal cruelty and a violation of environmental protection laws under the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act and City of Cape Town by-laws," said Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor and Mayco member for Spatial Planning and Environment. "These beautiful creatures have been brutally killed, with their shells broken open and discarded, and their internal organs and flesh removed."