Charging Wildebeest killed by visitor at the Groenkloof nature reserve
The Wildebeest reportedly attacked staff members, security personnel and members of the public who came back from hiking.
A Wildebeest was shot and killed at the Groenkloof nature reserve on Friday.
Tshwane MMC for environment Dana Wannenberg said the incident took place at 10:22.
Wannenberg said preliminary information indicated that a blue Wildebeest cow was seen running along 4×4 drive towards the picnic area.
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“It is reported that the Wildebeest pushed an employee who was sitting on the chair,” he said.
“In less than five minutes later the Wildebeest came back and started attacking staff members, Sidas security personnel and members of the public who came back from the red hiking route.”
This is when one visitor reportedly took out his pistol and shot the female blue Wildebeest four times, one on the horn and another three shots in the heart, killing it.
Wannenberg said a man, aged between 40 and 50, was taken into police custody for questioning and his firearm was taken.
“The City of Tshwane would like to advice visitors, hikers, nature lovers and patrons to report any threatening situation to the staff by dailing the telephone numbers 012 358 8188 or 1757 or 0130 or 065 351 8794 or 078 715 7665 provided in the map that is handed to them as they enter the nature reserve,” he said.
“The public is further advised to stay at least 30 meters away from wild animals.”
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