INGAGANE – Eleven illegal hunters were caught red-handed on a farm near Ingagane on Sunday, October 16.
According to farm owner, Anil Raghoo illegal hunting has affected his livelihood for many years.
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“These poachers have been killing my animals for about four or five years,” said Mr Raghoo.
The hunters were caught with 22 hunting dogs which were used to chase down animals to their slaughter.
First responder, Morne Potgieter, an operations manager from a local security company, was informed of the illegal hunter by a farmer.
“About eight farms have already been invaded.” he said. “These suspects can be fined up to R10-million and also face a minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.”
It is speculated the hunters operate during the early hours of the morning, as they move in packs attacking one farm after the other.
“The dogs kill anything that moves. I used to have wild ducks at the dam, now there’s not even one left.” said Mr Raghoo.
KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife Co-ordinator, Geoff Muller said according to the Nature Conservation Act 15 of 1974, it illegal to hunt without a permit.
“Illegal hunting has been a continuous problem for about 24 years now. People need to follow the correct protocol,” he said.
“Oribi are an endangered species and it is against the law to hunt them.”
Also read: Comings and goings in Ingagane
In a separate incident which occurred on the same day, five poachers were apprehended by Road Traffic Inspectorate officers travelling from Durban.
These hunters had 20 hunting dogs with them and five carcasses of various game that were killed.
The hunting dogs were captured and taken to the municipality pound. All 16 suspects face charges of trespassing as well as illegal hunting.
