The Kruger National Park (KNP) has started 2020 with the strict enforcement of rules and anti-poaching programmes.
On 9 and 10 January respectively, tourists in the park were fined R3 000 for being outside of their vehicle at a lion sighting and the KNP released a statement stating that seven suspected rhino poachers have been arrested.
In the statement regarding the arrests of suspected poachers SANParks ceo, Fundisile Mketeni, has applauded the work of rangers saying, “Congratulations to the entire SANParks team and we thank you for your dedication, obedience and tenacity”.
Rangers have also been praised for tracking down offending tourists after social media posts alerted them to a group who had exited their vehicle in an undesignated area. “It’s a standard thing, if someone is found having broken some of our guidelines and rules, we do impose a fine,” said Isaac Paahla, general manager of marketing and communications at KNP.
Pleading ignorance is not an option as tourists are given a copy of the guidelines and regulations with the permit they are given upon checking into the park. They are also available on the park’s website, highlighted Isaac.
While park officials were made aware of the incident via social media platforms, Isaac made it clear that the fine was imposed because the offenders were found by nearby rangers. He clarified that it was difficult for the park to legally respond to images or footage of those flouting park rules, and that it is better to report them to a nearby ranger who can then impose a fine if necessary.
