DA raises alarm over poaching with dogs in Limpopo
Concerns are mounting over the impact of wildlife crime on rural communities, farmers and vulnerable animal species.
TZANEEN – The Democratic Alliance in Limpopo has raised concerns over what it describes as the growing problem of illegal poaching with dogs in rural communities, including Gravelotte, and has called for stricter enforcement of existing laws and better-resourced rural police units to combat the crime.
Complaints from communities across the province
According to DA provincial spokesperson for Transport and Community Safety, Marie Helm, the party continues to receive complaints from communities across the province regarding the handling of poaching cases by the police.
Helm said reports have been received from areas including Gravelotte, Alldays, Bandelierkop, Vivo, Ellisras and Tom Burke, where residents and farmers have alleged that police are often reluctant to open cases related to illegal hunting and poaching with dogs.
“The DA continuously receives complaints from Alldays, Gravelotte, Bandelierkop, Vivo, Ellisras and Tom Burke that SAPS are reluctant or blatantly refuse to open reported incidents of illegal poaching with dogs,” Helm said in a statement.
Concerns over organised criminal activity
The party believes these incidents are not isolated acts but form part of organised and well-resourced criminal operations.
According to Helm, the perpetrators typically use low-traffic gravel and tar roads such as the R521, R522 and the D1468 between Vivo and Schiermonikoog to access targeted properties.
Impact felt beyond wildlife conservation
The party warned that the consequences of poaching with dogs extend beyond wildlife conservation concerns.
Farmers often suffer financial losses due to livestock being killed, while tensions between farming communities and neighbouring settlements can increase.
The practice also poses a threat to vulnerable and endangered wildlife species.
Call for stronger rural policing
While farmers, farm workers and community members continue to assist authorities by reporting incidents and monitoring suspicious activity, Helm said their efforts are often undermined by limited police resources in rural areas.
“The DA calls for well-resourced rural units with the capacity to enforce the law to effectively prevent the impact of these crimes,” Helm said.
