• One endangered vulture, other wildlife killed.
• Separate report of two lions allegedly poisoned.
• DA demands urgent and transparent investigation.
(Please note Hannah Lidgett, MPL sound bite in English)
The Democratic Alliance calls on Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) to launch a full investigation into an alleged mass poisoning site in northern Zululand, where at least one endangered vulture and other wildlife have been killed. (view here, here and here)
There is also a separate report of two lions that were allegedly poisoned. It is unclear if the incidents are linked at this point.
The DA was alerted to the existence of a mass poisoning site by Lion Exposé, who have been investigating the roaming lions and conflict in the area.
This is not the first incident involving lions roaming freely in the area. Last year, two lions were shot by EKZNW after they allegedly killed cattle belonging to local community members.
To date, there has been no public explanation of where those lions came from, how they escaped or whether anyone was held responsible.
There are now further allegations that a lion was killed on 30 July, while two other lions were poisoned and subsequently had to be euthanised. Reports also point to the discovery of a mass poisoning site in the area.
The central question remains: where are these lions coming from?
Ezemvelo must explain why there has not been greater transparency surrounding these incidents. It must also establish who is responsible for allegedly lacing carcasses with poison and killing wildlife in the area. It must further clarify whether this poisoning is motivated by poaching, or trade in the sale of lion parts.
These allegations cannot be ignored or kept from the public. An urgent and transparent investigation is needed to determine exactly what happened, identify those responsible and prevent further wildlife deaths.
As a committed member of KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), the DA will submit formal written parliamentary questions and continue demanding full transparency and accountability from the responsible authorities. Our province’s wildlife is incredibly valuable and must be protected.