TZANEEN – A growing wave of illegal snaring in the Magoebaskloof has sparked concern among conservationists and residents, as wildlife and public safety face increasing threats.

Between January 2025 and February 2026, the Phalaborwa Natural Heritage Foundation (PNHF) conducted six snare sweep operations in the valley, removing a total of 151 snares.

Most were made from cable or wire, set primarily to trap bushpig and bushbuck, and were concentrated on the western side of the valley.

The most alarming discoveries occurred during a sweep in November last year, when a snare line led investigators to a property with an unoccupied house with staff quarters (compound).

Inside, officials found animal fat, a skin strip, and the skins of white-tailed and water mongooses. A trap cage that had recently killed a porcupine was also discovered. Tracks outside the compound confirmed that the occupants allegedly set the snares, while a freshly killed adult female civet, a protected species, was found in a cable snare just outside the property.

Two suspects, a security guard, Simon Sthothome Mahlahla, and Jeffrey Chauke, were taken into custody by the SAPS.

They were released on the same day. A follow-up sweep on February 14 this year revealed that illegal snaring was continuing from the compound, even after Mahlahla had left the area.

“The snares are professionally set and pose a serious threat not only to wildlife but also to domestic animals and residents,” said Wouter Pretorius, director of the Haenertsburg Bird of Prey Centre, which coordinated the operations.

“We found snares designed to kill protected species. This is no longer just a wildlife crime; it has become a community safety issue.”

Pretorius urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. “If you see anything unusual, report it immediately to SAPS. Do not confront these individuals yourself. Your safety is just as important as the protection of wildlife,” he said.

Local volunteers have also expressed their alarm. Ellie van der Merwe, a community volunteer, said it is shocking to see how many animals have been caught in these snares.

“We have to protect our forests, not just for the wildlife, but for the children who play nearby.”

They say the snares have already claimed a range of species, including bushpig, bushbuck, vervet and samango monkeys, duiker, white-tailed and water mongooses, as well as domestic dogs.

Karin Fourie, a resident, emphasised that stopping this illegal activity requires community participation.

“Protecting wildlife is protecting the community. Every report, every observation, helps us prevent further harm.”

The Haenertsburg Bird of Prey Centre has called for urgent law enforcement, increased patrols, and continued monitoring of affected areas. The centre also thanked the SPCA and local volunteers for their work in the sweeps, which uncovered evidence of continued poaching.

For more information or to report suspicious activity, contact Wouter Pretorius at 076 735 6831 or haenertsburgbpc@gmail.com.