Dr Markus Hofmeyr, head of SANParks Veterinary Services, and his team at the Kruger National Park collect DNA samples from a darted a white rhino cow. The extensive DNA research on rhinos resulted in the African rhino being the only wild animal with body parts that can be traced back to the specific animal they were removed from. Current statistics show almost two rhinos a day get poached in the Kruger National Park alone. Picture: Armand Hough
Johannesburg – In recent months, South African National Parks (SANParks) employees have been involved in alleged criminal activities, including poaching of animals and colluding with poaching syndicates, with some of the employees having been arrested for their crimes.
On Wednesday, the DA said they welcome the recent SANParks board's approval of polygraph testing for employees in an effort to combat the rampant and ongoing poaching of South Africa’s endangered wildlife.
The DA’s reaction to the move comes after a series of arrests that have been made by the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies in a bid to put a stop to poaching at SANParks.
On May 14, the Skukuza Regional Court sentenced Nito Mathebula to an effective 13 years after he was found guilty of trespassing in a national park, breaking the Immigration Act, and killing a rhino.
DA welcomes commitment to implement polygraph testing for SANParks employees.
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Early this month, two former rangers at the Kruger National Park were sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment each for poaching-related offences committed at the park.
Shadow minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Dave Bryant said the approval was confirmed in response to a DA question to Minister Barbara Creecy and after ongoing pressure from DA MPs.
He said they are happy that Creecy has now committed to fully implement the testing by the end of 2023, and the DA will be keeping a keen eye on progress to ensure this happens.
"The DA has been one of the strongest advocates for the use of polygraph testing as a means to hold SANParks employees to account. Our members in the National Assembly have raised the matter on numerous prior occasions through written questions and portfolio oversight.
“Plans to implement polygraph testing have unfortunately been stalled for many years, during which time thousands of endangered animals, in particular our rhinos, have been poached,” Bryant said.
“This move will, however, come too late for the many rangers who have lost their lives to poachers and the many animals that have been the victims of collaboration between corrupt staff members at SANParks and the criminal underworld.
“The minister must do all she can to compel the minister of police to work with Interpol to tackle these criminal networks, both in South Africa and abroad,” Bryant said.
The Star
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