Bushbuck shot in Mbombela Nature Reserve

Residents of the Glentana Complex insist on justice for a bushbuck that was shot and killed in the Mbombela Nature Reserve by some unknown people on October 31.

They suspect it was either killed for bush meat or that someone was just toying with a gun. One of the concerned residents, Pieter Griesel, said it was shot in the back.

Some residents said they heard the gunshots at about 09:00 that day. They went to investigate and found the bleeding animal lying on the ground. The local SPCA was summoned and decided to take it to a vet. However, they were forced to euthanise the animal as it was paralysed and in increasing pain.

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A R5 000 reward is available to anyone who comes forward with any information that leads to an arrest. Griesel said the wild animals have become part of their family as they feed them during the dry season when food is scarce. He said the buck come by the complex fence on their way to drink water. “We have duikers, bushbuck and steenboks and we cannot allow people to shoot innocent animals and get away with it. I want that person to be arrested and punished for what was done to the bushbuck so that others will think twice before they attack an animal.”

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Griesel called on anyone with information to either contact the Nelspruit police or himself on 076 431 3429. “I will not take the law into my own hands; we work with all law enforcement agencies and animal welfare organisations to make sure that justice is served.”

The MTPA’s spokesperson, Simphiwe Shungube, said they are not aware of the killing of the bushbuck, since it was not brought to their attention.

He said they can only assist if they are contacted and will then act accordingly. He said, however, they do condemn the shooting and called on community members to refrain from killing wild animals living next to residential areas.