Poisoning fears after wildlife deaths in Zululand valley

Suspected mass wildlife poisoning in Zululand sparks calls for investigation after vultures, eagles and lions reportedly die in Thaka Valley.

3 hours ago

Muzi Zincume 2 minutes read

DA KZN Spokesperson on Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Hannah Lidgett believes a cow carcass was poisoned Photo: Lion Expose

HUMAN-wildlife conflict is again in the spotlight after the uncovering of a suspected poisoning site in Zululand District.

According to the DA in KZN, which has called on Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife to launch a thorough investigation, at least one endangered vulture, eagles and other wildlife have been killed in the Thaka Valley.

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DA KZN Spokesperson on Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Hannah Lidgett said that there is a separate report of two lions that were poisoned.

“It’s unclear if the incidents are linked at this point. We were informed of a mass poisoning site by Lion Exposé, who have been investigating the roaming lions and conflict in the area. This is not the first incident involving lions roaming freely in the area,” said Lidgett.

“Last year, two lions were shot by Ezemvelo after they reportedly killed cattle belonging to local community members.”

Lidgett added that, to date, there has been no public explanation of where those lions came from, how they escaped or whether anyone was held responsible.

“There are now further allegations that a lion was killed on 30 July, while two other lions were poisoned and subsequently had to be euthanised.

“Ezemvelo must explain why there has not been greater transparency surrounding these incidents. It must also establish who is responsible for allegedly lacing carcasses with poison and killing wildlife in the area.

“It must further clarify whether this poisoning is motivated by poaching or trade in the sale of lion parts. These allegations cannot be ignored or kept from the public. An urgent and transparent investigation is needed to determine exactly what happened, identify those responsible, and prevent further wildlife deaths,” said Lidgett.

She says, as a committed member of the KZN GPU, the DA will submit formal written parliamentary questions, and continue demanding full transparency and accountability from the responsible authorities.

“Our province’s wildlife is incredibly valuable and must be protected,” she said.

Ezemvelo spokesperson Musa Mntambo confirmed that two lions were destroyed after killing locals’ domestic animals.

“We do not have any information regarding a mass poisoning of wild animals. We suspect a possibility that some aggrieved victims decided to poison carcasses of their livestock, hoping the lions would return to eat the carcasses, and eventually other animals found themselves eating poisoned carcasses. But only police can establish that,” he said.