Around this period, I had completed the development of a fully functional website for the South African Falconry Association (SAFA), a service I provided free of charge, with SAFA only responsible for the associated hosting expenses.

Then, on April 6, 2021, a critical event occurred: CapeNature (CN) inspected the residence of a Boland Falconry Club (BFC) member. During this inspection, CN found and confiscated raptors for which the member had no CN permits. While the IBFC2020MC was aware that the member had one club raptor, the existence of the other raptors confiscated by the CN, the BFC was unaware of. The member was subsequently taken to a South African Police Service (SAPS) station, cautioned that charges would be filed in due course.

News of this incident rapidly circulated within South Africa’s close-knit falconry community and was shared on the SAFA WhatsApp group. Specific details were initially scarce as formal charges had not yet been laid. Significantly, this was the first instance in Western Cape (WC) falconry history where a falconer faced potential criminal charges for the illegal possession of raptors. The IBFC2020MC realised that this event had far-reaching implications beyond the BFC and the individual member involved, and we braced for significant consequences.

The IBFC2020MC was now confronted with an unprecedented challenge, the likes of which no WC falconry club had previously faced. Fortunately, I have relatives with legal expertise who offered assistance. We thoroughly reviewed the BFC’s Constitution, Rules and Regulations, Disciplinary Code, and CN permit conditions. This review confirmed that, under the BFC Disciplinary Code, a member found guilty of such an offense could have their BFC membership terminated.

Also, on April 6, 2021, the IBFC2020MC immediately established a disciplinary committee to manage the situation. Following an initial assessment, and because the incident with CN was directly related to falconry, the member was formally suspended. This suspension was a neutral procedural step, not a prejudgment of the outcome of any future disciplinary hearing.

In the aftermath of the April 6th events, discussion about the incident intensified on the SAFA WhatsApp group. One member characterized CN’s actions as a ‘warpath,’ which fueled further speculation and increasingly strong commentary.

On legal advice suggesting that, as formal criminal charges had not yet been laid, a meeting involving the implicated member, SAFA, and CN might facilitate an agreement. Such an agreement could potentially lead to the withdrawal of charges, thereby protecting the broader interests of falconry. Unfortunately, SAFA did not respond to this proposal.

Consequently, the period between April 6 and May 13, 2021, represented a missed window of opportunity to potentially resolve the matter through dialogue, leaving us to prepare for the ensuing repercussions.