• Lions found roaming the area before, yet their origin remains unknown.
• Incident may point to a broader problem.
• EDTEA must provide clarity, ensure protection of KZN’s wildlife.
(Please note Hannah Lidgett, MPL sound bite in English)
The Democratic Alliance has submitted a formal written parliamentary question (view here) to KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) after disturbing allegations that two lions were poisoned in the Gluckstadt area, with parts of the one animal subsequently sold within the local community.
The DA was alerted to the matter by Lion Exposé, which reported suspected Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) intervention following reports that lion body parts were being sold. The status of the other lion remains unconfirmed although poisoning is suspected.
These allegations are deeply concerning, not least because it remains unclear where the two lions originated from and under what circumstances they came to be in the area.
There are private game reserves in the broader region. This is also not the first time lions have reportedly been found roaming near Gluckstadt. In a previous incident, lions believed to have escaped from an unknown location, were found roaming the area. To date, as far as the DA is aware, the origin of those animals has never been publicly established.
For this reason, we are concerned that this latest incident may point to a broader problem. In the event that these latest allegations are confirmed, authorities must establish where the lions came from, how they came to be outside a protected area, the circumstances surrounding their deaths and whether any criminal activity took place involving their remains.
The DA’s parliamentary questions seek clarity from EDTEA on the incident, EKZNW involvement, the origin and ownership of the lions, confirmation on the alleged poisoning, whether lion parts were recovered and whether any criminal investigation is underway.
Residents have a right to know whether authorities are properly monitoring wildlife in their communities, whether potential risks are being addressed and whether those responsible for any illegal activity will be held accountable
The DA is determined to get to the bottom of this matter and will continue to use our oversight role within KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) to ensure that our province’s wildlife is properly protected and that anyone involved in illegal activity is held accountable.