The Bongani Mountain Lodge in Mpumalanga burnt down over the weekend. The lodge director, Steffen Schneier told Tourism Update that the blaze was the result of arson.
‘It was arson and the case is under investigation,’ he said. ‘I would say there is about 100% damage to the lodge; everything was burnt to the ground.’
Schneier added the motive is not confirmed, but that it is rumoured to be connected to an attack on the anti-poaching unit in the Mthethomusha Game Reserve where the lodge is situated.
‘The anti-poaching unit was attacked and there is a rumour that, during that attack, the rangers shot one of the attackers,’ said Schneier. Authorities suspect the fire might have been in retaliation after one of the attackers was shot. However, Schneier said rangers denied shooting an attacker.
According to one Twitter user, the attacker was killed by the ranger during the attack.
@SABCNews @BBCNews @BBCWorld@SANParksKNP Hi guys , not sure if you have heard or know about Bongani mountain lodge. Parksboard shot and killed a poacher , so the community decided to retaliate and burn Bongani to the ground . Ingwe aswell and some of the staff accom too- sad
— neilphil (@neil60892631) February 2, 2021
No casualties were reported and everyone was safely evacuated from the premises. There were no guests at the time.
No reservations are currently being taken by the lodge until further notice.
This is a developing story.
Picture: Twitter/Bongani Mountain Lodge
