Three suspects appeared before the Kanyamazane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, February 9 for arson, possession of stolen goods and other crimes related to a fire at the Bongani Mountain Game Lodge in Mpumalanga.
The Lodge, situated in the Mthethomusha Game Reserve, which borders on the Kruger National Park was plundered, looted and set alight on January 31.
The arson is believed to be in retaliation after a ranger allegedly shot and killed a poacher during an attack on the anti-poaching unit. However, lodge director Steffen Schneier said rangers denied shooting an attacker and the rumour in not confirmed.
‘On that day, a group of people driving in a white SUV alighted at the entrance of the said lodge. It is said that they then used rubble including stones and branches of trees to barricade the road which leads to the said lodge,’ Mpumalanga SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Leonard Hlathi.
Police were called to diffuse the situation, however while they were still clearing the road, other people amongst the group, proceeded to the lodge where they are reported to have broken several doors and helped themselves to liquor as well as other items belonging to the lodge.
They torched some of the rooms and other infrastructure before fleeing the scene with the stolen items, leaving behind a trail of costly damages of approximately R9 million.
A manhunt was launched and police received a tip-off about illegal activity in the reserve.
‘They then responded promptly and together with the rangers, they discovered nine carcasses of four different animal species including three impalas, four inyala, one rock jumper and one spotted genet,’ said Hlati.
‘A preliminary probe suggests that the carcasses were abandoned by a group of unscrupulous individuals who were involved in an illegal poaching activity earlier at the game reserve. The individuals were somehow given no chance through the visibility of the rangers, which undoubtedly forced them to flee the scene, leaving behind their loot.’
‘A case of illegal hunting was registered with the mentioned items seized, and a manhunt has been motioned for the suspects. The police are following some positive leads in their investigation and are optimistic that arrests are imminent,’ Hlathi added.
Anyone with tangible information pertaining to the said cases should contact Detective Captain Vusimuzi Thobela at 082 469 1956, or call the Crime Stop number on 0860 010 111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via the MySAPS app.
Picture: Getaway gallery
