Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Eleanor Quinta and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will formally intervene by engaging the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipal Manager and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to address serious safety risks arising from reports of illegal hunting within the Platberg Nature Reserve.
The DA is concerned about residents’ safety following reports of illegal hunting within the Platberg Nature Reserve. The ANC-run Maluti-a-Phofung municipality is currently the management authority of the reserve. Yet it has lost control and is itself banned from entering the reserve without special permission from the individuals who claim ownership of it.
An individual claiming to be a king has captured not only the reserve but also orchestrated many other land grabs. A court case is currently pending in the Bloemfontein High Court for an eviction order to be issued against the individual to remove them from the reserve.
This individual has now taken it upon himself to grant permission for hunters to hunt in the reserve, which is highly illegal. Hunting in Nature Reserves is heavily regulated. Hunting requires permits, experienced guides, and adherence to local laws.
Furthermore, during hunting season, public access to parts of the reserve should be restricted.
Notices should be posted at all entrances indicating that it is hunting season, and designated times for when it is safe to enter the Reserve should be communicated to the public.
We will further submit an urgent written request to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Mr Willie Aucamp, to intervene decisively, restore lawful management of the reserve, and ensure that conservation laws are enforced to protect both the community and the environment.