Vandalism at Klipriversberg Nature Reserve
With help of local security companies, JMPD and SAPS the KNRA aims to make Klipriversberg Nature Reserve again be known as the 'Jewel of Joburg South'.
Vandalism at Klipriversberg Nature Reserve has become a problem in the last few years and has escalated leading to people being robbed in the reserve.
The CHRONICLE/RECORD/COURIER caught up with the treasurer for the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve Association (KNRA) Christine Loukakis to find out how the vandalism has influenced the nature reserve.
“Vandalism is an ongoing and never-ending problem. The security company is changed very often. Now there are dogs but we often see the guys in one spot. Cars are being stolen and broken into.
“The problem that has been addressed on numerous occasions, there have meetings with councillor Stuart Marais, the CPF, local security companies and residents. Most residents along the fence line are extremely unhappy and have been adversely affected by the crime.
“Signs for trails are vandalised, there is graffiti on the heritage site of the old farmhouse walls, vandalism of the historic farmhouse and the newly marked routes. The stones of the Tswana kraals are also being removed or destroyed. These historic dwellings need to be protected for our future generations,” said Loukakis.
The reserve has also had to deal with poachers breaking open the fences to get into the reserve and that alone causes more damage to the reserve.
Loukakis said, “Poaching is unsafe for the environment and residents, walkers, hikers and animals like antelope/zebra escaping into suburbia. Some poachers fight over the carcass in broad daylight.
“There is also the fact that animals can potentially be hit by a motorist when they escape through broken fences. This is cruelty to the animals and danger to a motorist. The cost is in the taxpayers pocket ultimately.”
The CHRONICLE/RECORD/COURIER also asked the spokesperson for Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), Jenny Moodley about the problems that are being faced by the KNRA.
“If anyone has been robbed or threatened in the reserve it’s important to report these incidents to the local police station for a case number to be obtained. This will enable us to work closely with policing structures to ensure that SAPS and JMPD increase visible policing at the Klipriversberg Nature Reserve.
“With help of local security companies, JMPD and SAPS the KNRA aim to make Klipriversberg Nature Reserve again be known as the ‘Jewel of Joburg South’.
