20 March 2006
The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment is fully aware
of the illegal poaching of tortoises and other wild animals in the Pilanesberg
and has apprehended the culprits. The recent spate of reports by the landowners
is acknowledged, hence the charges that were withdrawn by the courts on
poaching for various reasons poses serious problems.
During the festive season period (9 December 2005 to 6 January 2006) the
departmental officials seized an estimated number of 18 tortoises that were
poached; and were dropped off at Kgaswane Mountain Reserve which forms part of
the North West Parks and Tourism.
The rolling out of Government of Environmental Inspectors (EMI) who have
been trained on enforcement relating to environment, will assist to control
poaching, particularly in the highly affected areas. The departmental mandate
is to patrol outside the privately owned game parks hence the patrol will
assist the private landowners to also inhibit the activities within their
farms.
EMI will also assist with awareness to educate all stakeholders including
communities about the danger of keeping tortoises as pets and also warn
communities about the bacteria they carry which could be deadly.
As part of the awareness programme the department intends erecting
billboards at strategic places to warn passers-by and motorists to discourage
poaching activities. The establishment of the EMI will create an opportunity to
establish forums in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS)
and the communities in order to curb the situation.
Patrols currently taking place at all hot spots are conducted regularly. The
Department is committed and will do everything in its power to apprehend the
perpetrators so that justice must prevail in conserving nature.
Enquiries:
Ms Motlalepula Rosho
Tel: (018) 389-5768
Cell: 082 806 7326
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, North
West Provincial Government
20 March 2006
Source: North West Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment
(http://www.nwdace.gov.za)
