Possible charges for driver who bumped lioness in the Kruger
The Kruger’s spokesperson, Ike Phaahla, has asked visitors who witnessed the incident to come forward so the matter can be thoroughly investigated without bias.
Recently, a video went viral of a motorist bumping a lioness with his vehicle in the Kruger National Park (KNP).
The park’s management subsequently also received the footage, displaying in full view how a motorist bumps into the lioness with his vehicle, towing a caravan.
This took place during a lion sighting in the Kruger on the H1-4 between Satara and Olifants camps on Sunday, August 11. The incident was confirmed by a statement by SANParks on Tuesday, August 13.
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According to the statement, unaware of what was about to happen, the lioness could be seen strolling with some other lionesses, forming part of a beautiful sighting, when a motorist bumped her with his vehicle, seemingly impatient to get through.
@lowvelder An apparently impatient driver bumped a lioness with his SUV and caravan in tow as he tried to push his way through the viewing traffic between Satara and Olifants Camp in the Kruger Park. #lions #lioness #KNP #Satatrcamp #Olifantscamp #krugernationalpark #Kruger
> Video: Supplied Safraaz Suliman.
The Kruger’s spokesperson, Ike Phaahla, said the management immediately asked the KNP Protection Services to trace the owner of the vehicle and investigate the incident.
“We request those who witnessed the incident to come forward so we can conclude the matter without bias. We also appeal to the public to always be on the lookout for different species while driving in the park. Please remember that, as a rule, animals have the right of way.”
Phaahla added that at sightings, one must be extra cautious, because there is bound to be traffic jams there. He said rules to assist with guidance on expected behaviour while visiting national parks are included on the permits tourists receive at the entrance gates.
“The visitors are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these for both their comfort and safety, those of our animals, as well as other visitors.”
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Phaahla said some of the possible charges to be considered against the driver suspected of bumping the lioness would be contravention of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act 57 of 2003 and operating a vehicle in a negligent manner that affects the safety of any species.
In the statement, the KNP management also said it would like to further indicate that strict measures are always taken against offending drivers to prevent similar incidents in a protected area, ultimately safeguarding wild animals and vegetation.
