THREE poachers were caught red-handed on a farm in Izotsha yesterday (Thursday) by Maser Security’s anti-poaching (MAP) unit. The men were tracked down, arrested and charged for illegal hunting. They are expected to appear in court soon. Some 25 snares were recovered in the bush and one of the men was found with a bush-knife covered in blood.
Hendrick Ludick of Maser Security said three men were caught.
One of the men initially got away, but was later caught, with help from MAP’s tactical response team.
“Maser Security has a good working relationship with the police. The Port Shepstone Flying Squad secured the arrest and handed the men over the to the Hawks, which handles wildlife matters, explained Mr Ludick.
He added that in the short period of time from when the men had laid out the snare and been caught, a hadeda had become trapped and died.
Mr Ludick said that the MAP unit recently found 70 snares in the Izotsha and Margate farming areas.
“Snare-poaching is a huge threat to the survival of many wildlife species,” he said.
“The worse part is that the poachers don’t always come back to check their traps. In some cases the snared animals die a cruel, painful and unnecessary death. Another problem is the hunting of wildlife with dogs,” he said.
He said MAP is policing farms for illegal hunting as this could lead to trespassing, house breakings and even farm attacks.
Photos by Jeffrey F. Bill
Duiker 2
July 26, 2014
“We have a helicopter which we are willing to make available to help fight poaching and other crime,” he said.
“It’s important that we nip poaching in the bud to prevent our wildlife from dwindling.”
“People tend to think of poaching only in terms of rhinos and elephants, but can forget the buck and other smaller creatures which are becoming increasingly threatened, such as the blue duiker,” he said.
The Izotsha Farmers’ Association commended Maser Security for its sterling work, adding that the local farmers are doing their level best to look after the wildlife.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
