Poachers pillage Saiccor land – and now dumpers follow suit
Last Sunday morning four poachers armed with bush knives and accompanied by their 14 hunting dogs were seen on Sappi Saiccor owned land.
CONCERNS about how Sappi Saiccor manages its land were highlighted over the last three weeks after several incidents in which illegal dumping and poaching have taken place on the company’s privately owned land.
People who live near Sappi Saiccor approached the Mail stating that not only were they concerned about the illegal activities occurring on the grounds but they also felt that their safety could be compromised due to poachers roaming these lands in search of fresh meat.
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Last Sunday morning (July 9) four poachers armed with bush knives and accompanied by their 14 hunting dogs were seen on Sappi Saiccor owned land. This was reported to Sappi’s 24-hour environmental emergency line around 7.30am but shockingly, no response was forthcoming until after 1.30pm, nearly four hours after the poachers had left.
The Mail was informed and immediately responded, going in search of the poachers.
Some three hours into the hunt, a clear line of sight had been established and the group of poachers was seen making their way towards the N2.
This was not the first time poaching had occurred on this land. Many will recall the giant rock python which the same group of men slaughtered late last year. The group apparently operates in the Danganya area just north of Ilfracombe.
VIDEO: Rock python killed near Umgababa
Presently, various species on Sappi-owned land, including the endangered blue duiker, are at risk.
The same group of poachers had successfully hunted a grey duiker on the same land the weekend before – the Mail is in possession of a voice note in which the screams of the duiker can be heard as dogs kill it.
Now questions regarding the proper disposal of Sappi coal were also raised after several marked Sappi bags were discovered on a vacant plot near Saiccor last Friday (July 7).
Information suggested that this coal was being used by locals who prepare their meals on open fires.
Concerns were raised as to whether or not the coal could be harmful, and why these bags weren’t properly disposed of.
Speaking to the Mail at a meeting held at Sappi on Tuesday this week, Sappi Saiccor Risk Manager Craig Daniels explained that strict protocols had been put in place to avoid employees from absconding with any property or items on Sappi grounds and that the matter would be investigated to determine if and how these protocols were breached.
Special permission needed to be obtained for any property to leave the grounds and the matter would be investigated, he said.
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Sappi pointed out that although measures had been put in place for it to be informed of serious matters, its guards could not be expected to deal with heavily armed and highly dangerous poachers.
Sappi instead advises anyone who spot poachers on its land to contact the Umkomaas SAPS which has both the manpower and skill to deal with this.
The company is currently exploring avenues in which they could also assist, including erecting signage in designated areas to deter illegal dumpers.
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