Couple traumatised after waking up to duiker being poached

Poachers in World’s View have become more brazen, chasing their prey into residential areas rather than hunting them down in the forest — and even using cars.

A couple was left traumatised this week after being awoken at 2.10 am to the cries of a distressed buck and dogs barking. They then discovered two dark-clothed men in their yard, cornering the animal.

The husband shouted, only to be met with the one trespasser shining a bright light in his eyes and the other grabbing the buck — thought to have been a duiker — and running away. The last he saw of them was shoving the buck into the boot of an awaiting car that quickly drove off, leaving the poachers’ dog chasing it.

The incident left the couple, who asked to remain unnamed, distraught and helpless as they stumbled around for numbers to call for help.

The devastated wife, described the buck as a “friend” and frequent visitor to her garden, that at night would eat the roses from her prized bushes.

“They have stolen [much] more than they could take from my house,” said the heartbroken woman.

“They have stolen a long-time friend from this community.”

This is not the first time poachers have tried their luck in World’s View, but it is the first incident that has involved their using a car, according to Hugh Temple, a member of the

Worlds View Conservancy, who called this week’s act of poaching “very brazen”.

“I’m shocked but not surprised. Obviously, there is a planned operation here,” he said.

Previously, a pregnant buck in the area was attacked by four dogs, allegedly linked to poaching in the area.

Following the incident, the Worlds View Conservancy will be working with SAPS and uMngeni Community Safety Initiative in tracking down the poachers using all resources available to them.

As for protocols regarding reporting poaching incidents, Temple said that honorary officers of Worlds View Conservancy are on WhatsApp and emergency groups.

Sergeant Sifiso Gwala, SAPS spokesperson, confirmed that a case of poaching or illegal hunting has been opened and is under investigation.

This is not the only case of buck being manhandled.

In 2023, an nyala bull was tackled and dragged down in Laurence Crescent, a residential road in Hayfields, by its back legs. Friends of Bisley Nature Reserve members were called on scene with aims to release the nyala into the reserve but after an examination of the animal, they noted indications of hemorrhaging in the lungs. The buck succumbed to its stress and its carcass was donated to the Lion Park.