MBOMBELA – The MEC for economic development, Mr Eric Kholwane, has promised to launch an investigation into the rhino-horn theft from the office of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA). In April 112 rhino horns were stolen from a safe in the MTPA offices.
The four men, arrested in connection with the incident, have been released on bail. Messrs Gideon Mtshali (51), Sizwe Leonard Malatjie (34), Selby Khoza (39) and Velly William Zwane (43) are due to reappear in court on October 15. “We will leave no stone unturned in investigating this matter.
“The people of Mpumalanga need to know what happened that day,” Kholwane said on Friday. He was speaking during an oral answering session in legislature and responded to questions posed on the agency by Mr Anthony Benadie, DA MPL.
According to the MEC, the provincial parks earned R19,3 million revenue in 2013/14 from 513 244 visitors, accommodation, hunting and the selling of game. This was an increase from the R15,3 million earned in 2012/13 and
456 745 visitors to the parks.
Kholwane said the department was an advocate of reviewing the MTPA act. “It is a priority area but (possibly removing) levies tourism operators pay, requires further engagement with stakeholders.”
He added that the relationship between the department, MTPA and organised tourism had improved tremendously. He stated, however, that transformation of the industry needed to be accelerated.
“This may create a difference of opinion, which must be managed,” Kholwane said.
