Game reserve set alight during protests
HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI game reserve’s perimeter fence has once again been compromised.
This time it was the result of a violent protest that took place at the Cibilenyathi gate in the Makhamisa section of the park on Tuesday.
The protest was conducted by members of the communities adjacent to the park who demanded employment.
The mob that gathered reportedly became violent and all attempts made to calm them by Ezemvelo officials and SAPS fell on deaf ears.
When the protesters were informed that Ezemvelo did not have any employment opportunities to offer them, they continued to cut down and burn fence poles.
Protesters even damaged the newly installed smart fence donated by the Peace Parks Foundation, which cost millions of rands to buy and install. Ezemvelo officials were eventually forced to flee as it became apparent that their lives were in danger. This is the second incident of the park’s fence being damaged within a month, with the previous occasion being locals stealing fencing materials.
Ezemvelo is becoming increasingly concerned about their level of security, as at this rate the park will be without a fence if issues are not resolved.
The organisation opened a case of malicious damage to property at Ntambanana police station.