A man driving a delivery vehicle had been fined R2 500 for driving over, and killing, seven impala in the Kruger National Park and officials are considering banning him from the park completely. News24 reports that the accident happened at the junction of the Paul Kruger and Skukuza staff roads at around 17h30 on Wednesday, 2 May 2012.
William Mabasa, head of communications at the park, said “SANParks not only grieves for the loss of the impalas but is also saddened that such an incident took place in a protected area, which is meant for safeguarding these animals”.
Tourism Update reported this morning that eyewitnesses saw the Shivers Contracting Company delivery truck as it overtook their cars at a high speed and then slammed over the unsuspecting impala at the junction of Paul Kruger and Skukuza Staff Village roads.
Laura Mukwevho, spokesperson for the Kruger National Park said that these accidents happen, but that drivers usually drive off. This driver did, however, stop and the entire accident was observed by the eyewitnesses. Read more about Mukwevho’s comments here.
The man has been fined R2 500 and charged with failure to comply with the National Environmental Management Act and many may be upset by this seemingly light penalty, seeing as the safety of the animals is one of the top priorities of any national reserve. Mukwevho did, however, say that management is considering banning him altogether.
Follow the links to IOL, Tourism Update and News24 to read their reports.
What do you think of the R2500 punishment? Do you think it’s fair?
Photo sourced from News24.
