"You Can Be Arrested": Woman Highlights Commonly Misunderstood Illegal Acts in South Africa
- A South African woman has taken to social media to educate people about everyday actions that are actually against the law, sparking an online discussion
- She highlighted several surprising examples, including the illegality of removing sand from beaches, owning tortoises without a permit, and more
- Her candid breakdown has left many South Africans rethinking their daily habits and questioning what other seemingly harmless acts could actually land them in legal trouble
A South African woman has taken it upon herself to educate the people of Mzansi about the common everyday actions that many believe are legal, but are actually against the law. Her video sparked an online discussion.
Source: TikTok
The clip has gained traction on social media, and she shared examples ranging from wildlife rules to public conduct. Taking to her TikTok account under the handle @sboshmafu on 15 August 2025.
Woman lists things you think aren’t illegal in SA, but are
She began by addressing a common misconception of taking sand from a beach for personal use.
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“If you want to build a sandpit at your house for your kids to play with and you go take sand at the beach, it’s not allowed, you can be arrested for that,” she explained in the video.
@sboshmafu added that the correct approach is to purchase sand from a shop.
Removing sand is, in fact, illegal in South Africa as the legal framework is primarily governed by the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act, 2008 (ICM Act). The Act places all coastal public property, including sand, under the custodianship of the state.
Another surprising point she raised was about owning tortoises as pets.
“You cannot own a tortoise without a special permit,” she said.
She gave an example of spotting a tortoise on the road and taking it home, noting that such an action is illegal and punishable by a fine. The reason, she explained, is that tortoises require a very specific natural environment to survive and thrive, and removing them from their habitat can harm their well-being.
The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (NEMBA) in South Africa prohibits the illegal possession, trade, and transport of indigenous wildlife, including tortoise species.
The law requires a permit for any wild animal in captivity, which is difficult to obtain for private individuals. The "Good Samaritan" exception is not applicable, as taking a tortoise home can disrupt its natural habitat and expose it to new diseases. Illegal possession can lead to prosecution, fines, and imprisonment.
@sboshmafu also voiced frustration about public urination, calling for stricter enforcement.
“A lot more men need to be in jail, prison, okay? Urinating in public is illegal. We need to make more calls because men are urinating in every corner of the country.”
She emphasised that she is “tired and sick of it.”
The final act on her list was jaywalking, crossing the street unlawfully, which she reminded viewers is a punishable offence in SA.
Her candid breakdown has left many South Africans rethinking their daily habits and questioning what other seemingly harmless acts could actually land them in legal trouble, while some were outraged by some of the offences.
Watch video below:
SA chimes in on the illegal actions
The online community flooded the comments section to express their thoughts, saying:
P1.0.3 simply said:
"God’s sand?"
Its Lindiwem added:
"Urinating in public… I need this law enforced heavily."
Nicolette expressed:
"If the government can show me the sea sand factory that they built to make the sea sand....THEN I WILL NOT TAKE OFF THE SAND!!! IMAGINE......JUST IMAGINE PAYING FOR GOD'S SAND!!!! THIS IS RIDICULOUS!!!!"
RowenaMarcusPetersen stated:
"I must pay for sand God gave us free?"
Palesamnailss commented:
"Imagine the absurdity of having to buy beach sand."
Source: TikTok
More interesting South African stories from Briefly News
- Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla appeared in the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Durban on 20 March 2025 in relation to the 2021 July unrest.
- The South African Police Service arrested two suspects who are allegedly behind a recent spate of hijackings on the N3 in Gauteng.
- A former South African Airways (SAA) board member has been arrested for alleged extortion and taxi violence.
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Source: Briefly News
