Horror attack on game reserve animals

EASTERN Cape police and the province’s Green Scorpions have issued a stern warning to the community of Red Location in Adelaide, which broke a game fence and chopped a number of buck to death at the nearby Molweni Private Game Reserve.

The two authorities have launched a manhunt after the reserve’s fence was cut open before hundreds of residents started hunting down the game, including endangered species.

The shocking incident was caught on camera. It shows dozens of villagers hacking a black wildebeest bull to death with spades and axes with children watching. Five dogs can be seen barking and trying to bite the dying animal.

Adelaide-based journalist Athi Mabindisa said four wild animals had been killed.

Explanations from officials as to why so many people took part in the incident were not forthcoming yesterday.

Police spokesman Captain Lariane Jonker said the killing of the game started on Monday after the owner of the game farm, Chris Bush, died on April 18.

Jonker said the manager of the farm, Ryan Beatty, was overwhelmed and asked the police not to share his contact details with the media. “He just wants the thing to die down.”

Jonker said Beatty had to put down one buck which had been horribly wounded by community members, who used stones and metal implements to hack and bludgeon the animals.

“He managed to shoot it.”

The motive behind the barbaric acts are not known.

Police spokeswoman Colonel Sibongile Soci said: “SAPS can confirm that cases of malicious damage to property and theft of game are under investigation following an incident on Monday at about 6pm in the Adelaide policing area whereby members of the community allegedly cut open the fence, and attacked and killed a swart wildebeest.”

Soci said no arrests had been made but police were working with the provincial environmental affairs officials to trace suspects.

Provincial Green Scorpions director Div de Villiers said the SPCA, Cradock stock theft unit and his officials were working together to put a stop to the acts.

De Villiers said: “We are investigating a case of hunting without a permit. Black wildebeest are a protected species. Theft of game is also being investigated and I think the SPCA is looking into animal cruelty.

“Our department will also do environmental awareness work in the Adelaide community,” said De Villiers.