Suspected poachers spark panic in parts of Krugersdorp
A veld fire swept through parts of Roodekrans and Rangeview on August 4, suspected to be the work of poachers targeting nearby wildlife reserves.
A veld fire lit up parts of Roodekrans on Monday evening, 4 August. While no injuries or damage were reported, community leaders warn the blaze may not have been accidental.
According to Roodekrans Neighbourhood Watch chairperson Andreas Oberlechner, the fire occurred mainly in Roodekrans near the Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden, and also affected parts of Rangeview and Sugar Bush.
Mogale City Ward councillor Devin Nieuwenhuyzen confirmed this.
@caxton.jhbwest A veld fire, believed to have been started by poachers, swept through numerous nature reserves bordering the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden on August 4. #fire #waltersisulubotanicalgardens #veldfire #poachers #Suspectedpoachers #fyp #CaxtonLocalMedia #krugersdorpnews ♬ original sound – Caxton JHB West
Oberlechner believes the fire was deliberately started by poachers to target wildlife.
“The fires are mainly started to scare off the animals in the surrounding nature reserves. Veld fires can spread very rapidly, and as a result, areas that could have been affected include Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Manie Mulder Nature Reserve and potentially the botanical garden,” Oberlechner said.
He confirmed that emergency services responded and extinguished the fire. Although no injuries or damage were reported, residents are urged to report any illegal activity in their area.
Krugersdorp News contacted West Rand Emergency Services for comment, but no information was available at the time of publication.
If you have been affected by the fire, contact the News at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za.
