Shooting of elephant under investigation
It is believed that an Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife section ranger shot the elephant which was headed toward the Gwanzi pineapple farm outside the town of Hluhluwe
CIRCUMSTANCES surrounding the death of a lone bull elephant which escaped from Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) on Monday are being investigated.
Democratic Alliance spokesperson on Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Heinz de Boer, has called for an urgent portfolio committee investigation.
It is believed that an Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife section ranger shot the elephant which was headed toward the Gwanzi pineapple farm outside the town of Hluhluwe.
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Perimeter fencing remains an issue and the park has in recent months, experienced various species, including lions, leaving the reserve and terrorising adjoining communities.
De Boer says, ‘I am also aware that there are ongoing investigations into the rotten tenders at Ezemvelo, and the fencing fiasco that has dogged HiP over the last eight years.
‘Alternative sources of funding need to be found to financially empower Ezemvelo to repair and maintain the fences, and ensure these operations are functioning properly at all times.’
Ezemvelo spokesperson, Musa Mntambo, said he is aware of the incident.
‘I have been advised that the said elephant was destroyed by Ezemvelo staff as it was beginning to be troublesome to the community’, said Mntambo.
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