The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) pointed out in the Mpumalanga Legislature that illegal hunting poses a serious threat to rural safety, property rights and the province’s natural heritage.
The recent ruling by the Howick Magistrate’s Court in KwaZulu-Natal sends a clear message that offenders can and should be punished.
Four men were convicted after they entered a private conservation area with 16 hunting dogs. The Court ruled that unauthorised entry with the intention to hunt is sufficient for a conviction. The sentence, entailing severe fines and imprisonment, confirms that the judiciary does have the tools to take stringent action.
The Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act already provides a strong legal framework. This Act prohibits, among other things, night hunting, the use of snares and dogs as well as unauthorised entry onto agricultural land. Depending on the seriousness of the offence, it provides for fines and imprisonment of up to ten years.
The root of the problem is, however, a lack of visible policing and effective law enforcement in rural areas. Without consistent action, these crimes will continue to occur, causing enormous financial and ecological damage.
The recent arrest of two suspects in possession of game and livestock carcasses near Badplaas clearly shows that illegal hunting often goes hand in hand with livestock theft and other rural crime.
It is, therefore, important that the police and provincial nature conservation officers drastically intensify their efforts, and that Mpumalanga magistrates use the full force of the law – as was demonstrated in the Howick ruling.
Farmers and game farmers form the backbone of Mpumalanga’s economy and food security. Protecting their property rights and ensuring the safety of rural communities are non-negotiable.
The Freedom Front Plus will keep advocating in the Provincial Legislature for the protection of private property rights and the safety of rural communities.
