Suspected Poachers Arrested

November 13, 2009;

MEDIA RELEASE No: 2009 - 17  

 SUSPECTED POACHERS ARRESTED
For Immediate release:

 

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) rangers arrested two suspected poachers after a  short late-night chase outside the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park on the night of 12 November 2009.
Acting on information the EKZNW rangers, consisting of staff from both Hluhluwe and iMfolozi sections as well as the iMfolozi Anti-poaching Unit, set up observation posts along the R618 road  where it enters the Park on the eastern side.
At about 10.00 the waiting rangers saw a vehicle stop just outside the boundary of the Park and saw three men get out and walk towards the point where the R618 enters the  Park.
The three men apparently became suspicious and moved back to their vehicle at which point the rangers went after them.
After a short but hectic chase involving the suspects’ vehicle and EKZNW vehicles, the  suspects’ vehicle was forced to a halt between the Kangala Store and Mawombe High School still on the R618 about four km from the Park boundary.
One of the suspects, who was seen to be carrying a pistol, jumped from the back of the moving vehicle, an Isuzu van, and managed to escape, while the two men sitting in the cab were arrested.
They were found to be in possession of an unlicensed rifle of very old manufacture, rounds of .357 magnum ammunition as well as an axe.
The two suspects were taken to the KwaMsane Police Station and charged with the illegal possession of an unlicenced fire-arm and ammunition.
“This is another most encouraging example of the dedication of the field staff in our protected areas,” said Mr Sifiso Kheswa, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Acting Executive Director of Biodiversity Conservation.
“I commend all staff involved in this incident, and reiterate our warning to those who would plunder our wildife resources that they do so at their peril,” he added.

 

 AJG/ Media Release No: 2009 - 17     13/11/09 
Media:
For further information contact the Media Manager on 033 845 1235; email jeff@kznwildlife.com or fax 033 845 1299.

Guilty plea in fisheries case

November 4, 2009;

MEDIA RELEASE No: 2009 - 16  

 GUILTY PLEA IN FISHERIES CASE
For Immediate release:

 

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) coastal staff report that David “Clive” Kenton (63)  of 1122 Bluff Road, Durban, has again been sentenced in court on charges relating to a contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act.
The case arose when EKZNW Fishery Control Officers approached Kenton and two companions on 01 September 2009 at Banana Beach.
Kenton made a dash for the sea while the EKZNW officers were inspecting the bags of his two diving companions, and was seen to empty the contents of his bag into the water.
He was subsequently charged with obstructing a Fishery Control Officer in the course of his duties.
His two companions each paid fines for being over the bag limit of East Coast Rock Lobster.
A plea of guilty was tendered by Kenton on the 02 November 2009 in Port Shepstone B Court in front of Magistrate Karen Scheepers and he was sentenced to R10 000 or 10 months imprisonment, half of which was suspended for 5 years.
Kenton made front page headlines in 2003 when he was arrested in Pretoria with nearly 250 kg of illegal crayfish and was sentenced to R60 000 or 2 years imprisonment.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife reminds the public that the closed season for East Coast Rock Lobster began on 01 November, during which time it is illegal to catch and keep or to possess them.
The Admission of Guilt fines for marine offences have been increased in most courts in KZN, with the fines in respect of East Coast Rock Lobsters being increased to R500 per offence.

 

 AJG/ Media Release No: 2009 - 16 
Media:
For further information contact the Media Manager on 033 845 1235; email jeff@kznwildlife.com or fax 033 845 1299.