Note to Editors: Please note Hannah Lidgett, MPL sound bite in English
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) calls for SAPS to urgently release the names of suspected poachers killed in a shootout near Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park last Saturday evening.
The appeal comes after allegations that a senior politically-connected individual may have been one of the South Africans killed.
This is now a matter of clear public interest.
SAPS must explain why the names of the deceased suspects have not yet been released. The DA will also write to the Hawks to request a full investigation into the matter.
Rhino poaching is not petty crime. It is organised crime, driven by syndicates, money, weapons, corruption and violence. Where there are allegations that politically-connected individuals may be involved, the incident becomes even more grave.
KZN has a duty of custodianship over its wildlife. Any involvement by individuals in positions of political influence would represent a serious betrayal of that duty.
The DA, as a partner within KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), will continue to push for transparency, accountability and the proper prioritisation of wildlife crime in our province.