Dinokeng applies for permission to put lions down that killed employee
A decision has been taken to apply for a permit to euthanise the three Dinokeng-lions who attacked and killed an employee of a landowner who was attempting to navigate the reserve on foot after dark.
Dinokeng Game Enterprises has confirmed that it has applied to the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Environment for a permit to euthanise the three lions that killed a man earlier this week.
Dinokeng management association chairman Hartogh Streicher also identified the landowner employee that was killed as Johannes Matshe.
Matshe is believed to have been killed at the reserve near Pretoria on the night of August 13.
The incident came to light when the vigilant reserve fencing team at the reserve stumbled upon what appeared to be human remains around 10:37 the following day.
The operations manager responded promptly, confirming the unfortunate loss of life.
The police were notified immediately and acted swiftly, commencing the investigation.
Streicher said Matshe was tragically attacked and killed by lions while attempting to navigate the reserve on foot after dark.
He emphasised that walking within the reserve during the night, or at any time, is strictly forbidden per reserve regulations.
Dinokeng Game Enterprises chairman Michael Daymond said that they are saddened by the tragic event and expressed his condolences to the family.
Dinokeng Game Enterprises owns the wildlife on the reserve.
He said the decision regarding the fate of the three lions considered many factors including the emotional tragedy suffered by the family, friends and landowners, the reserve’s environmental development and lion management plan as well as several discussions with subject matter experts.
The biodiversity stewardship section of the department has confirmed that it has received the permit application and is urgently looking into it.
Streicher said in the interest of the safety of landowners, employees and visitors, the reserve implored all individuals to respect and adhere to its rules, which include no pedestrian traffic permitted within the reserve and exiting vehicles restricted to designated areas only.
“This incident underscores the need for both visitors and landowners to exercise caution when interacting with the reserve’s wildlife. By respecting the rules and adopting responsible behaviour, we can ensure a safer environment for all,” said Streicher.
ALSO READ: Trains from Mabopane to Pretoria remain suspended
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
