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The DA has, through several sources, established that several people have been arrested in connection with the shooting of elephants and at tourists on the Pongolapoort Dam several months ago.

Several firearms have allegedly also been seized by SAPS units, who were tasked to intervene following the wholesale poaching and wounding of several elephants on the shores of Lake Jozini - within an Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) proclaimed conservation area. An escalation of tensions also led to a tourist boat being shot at, while the remaining elephant swam across the dam into Swaziland.

The herd remains in Swaziland as authorities and the private sector engage to find suitable relocation venues. EKZNW now has the unique opportunity to secure their protected land and allow the herds back unmolested – or cave to a small group of criminals, intent on hijacking this prime conservation area.

The DA has always supported the notion that the Jozini community at large could benefit from a well-protected and properly-run elephant conservation area. This could include job creation through walking trails and accommodation facilities.

While the arrests are commended, the DA will be keeping a close eye on the region and the subsequent court cases. The prosecution of wildlife crimes - and those that threaten the tourism sector must be carefully monitored.

Meanwhile, Transnet and their cavalier train drivers must also be brought to book for an ongoing spate of animal deaths caused by speeding trains along the same Jozini Dam corridor. Scores of large antelope, and now a rhino have been killed in train collisions.

It is inconceivable that coal-laden trains, destined for the export market, should decimate our highly protected species. The DA calls on EKZNW to investigate the rhino deaths, and bring charges against those responsible.

Issued by Heinz de Boer, MPL - DA KZN Spokesperson on EDTEA