Poachers strike at Vryheid Hill

VRYHEID Hill Nature Reserve recently came under attack from poachers, according to information received by the Neighbourhood Watch last Sunday.

A call came through to the Neighbourhood Watch on Sunday, September 26, with the alarming report of poachers with dogs allegedly hunting game on the hill.

Accompanied by Ezemvelo Wildlife Rangers, members of the Neighbourhood Watch responded promptly, with seven Neighbourhood Watch vehicles canvassing the 900ha area of reserve, in search of the alleged perpetrators.

According to the KZN Wildlife website, some of the animals occurring in the reserve include eland, zebra, impala, blesbok, mountain and common reedbuck, bushbuck and oribi. It is unclear at this stage what the poachers were targeting, or if they were successful in their illegal hunting attempts as they managed to evade capture.

“They were either hiding somewhere where we could not get to, or had left the park before we arrived at the scene,” said Patrol Commander for Vryheid Neighbourhood Watch, Adriaan Botha. Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Vryheid Neighbourhood Watch on 087 808 3508.

Neighbourhood Watch would like to remind the public of the fundraiser coming up on November 7 at Vryheid Ski Boat Club. Inspired by the theme of ‘Childhood Cancer Awareness Month’ in September, the Neighbourhood Watch will be donating a part of the proceeds to a fund for children with cancer.

Tickets are still available for the fundraiser, which will kick off at approximately 3:00pm on Saturday afternoon, November 7.

Guest speaker and cancer survivor, Lorraine Black, from Khulisa Social Solutions, will share with guests her experiences with the dreaded disease and how she has overcome the battle. After dinner has been served, Ian Bland and Graham Boyle will provide the musical entertainment for the evening.

A limited number of tickets, at R150-00 per adult and R50-00 per child, will be available for this not-to-be-missed event, so be sure to get yours early.

For further information regarding the Vryheid Neighbourhood Watch fundraiser for cancer, or if you would like to assist by donating towards the cause, contact Adriaan Botha on 083 539 2645 or watch the press for updates.