SKUKUZA- Driving up to an elephant cow and her calf to force them out of the road is not against the rules of the Kruger National Park (KNP). This is according to a statement issued by SANParks this week following a recent YouTube video showing a SANParks vehicle forcing an elephant and a calf off the road.
SANPArks stated that a full investigation was concluded, which included the studying of the footage, information from the witnesses as well as the account from the driver. The statement reads, “It has to be noted that certain processes were followed to determine exactly what took place and according to law a person is considered innocent until proven guilty. In this case after careful consideration the driver was found not to have transgressed the park rules.”
Despite the findings the driver was cautioned and instructed to exercise more caution in the future. SANParks would like to apologise profusely to the visitors who witnessed the incident and encourages more responsible behaviour by employees and visitors alike.
The man who witnessed the incident with his family, Mr Stephen Segal, told Lowvelder that he is not satisfied with the outcome. He had told SANParks the behaviour of their employee was reckless and endangered other people. He also asked whether this meant that any visitor to the park can act like this?
Read the original report here.
If you wish to report people for breaking rules at the park please contact Johan Nel, Chief Traffic Officer, Skukuza, Tel 0137354370, Cell 0736318682; Email: johannes.nel@sanparks.org or SANParks crime-line 082 908 3053 or KNP’s Emergency Call Centre on 013 735 4325
