SKUKUZA – Visitors to the Kruger National Park (KNP) were shocked when they drove past the carcass of a hippo cow on the road between Skukuza and Lower Sabie on February 15.
It later emerged that the animal had died after a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) vehicle had driven into it.
According to WO Oubaas Coetzer, spokesman for Skukuza police, the incident occurred at 04:35 and was reported to them
at 12:30.
“Two SANDF soldiers were on their way to Lower Sabie when the incident occurred. I do not know if they were patrolling the area as part of anti-rhino poaching operations when it happened.
“The case was reported here to prepare for an investigation by the military police,” he said. The driver in question, who may not be named until he has been charged, is a corporal.
A criminal case of reckless and negligent driving may be opened against him at a later stage. SANDF spokesman Brig Xolani Mabanga, declined to comment, saying he would first like to familiarise himself with the details of the case.
“I can tell you that, usually where an SANDF soldier or vehicle is involved in an accident, we establish a board of inquiry to investigate the matter and make certain recommendations.”
Mabanga could not say how many soldiers were currently deployed in the Kruger. “We have a unit of soldiers in the park to assist in anti-rhino poaching operations. To reveal how many exactly, would compromise security,”
he said.
KNP spokesman Mr William Mabasa merely said the hippo didn’t have to be euthanised because it had died on the scene, after being hit by an SANDF vehicle. This was reported to commanding authorities and the police.
