UPDATE: Farmer evacuated for safety reasons
MEC calls for calm after cattle deaths.
EIGHT game drive vehicles carrying international tourists, en route to the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park were forced to turn around near the Memorial Gate entrance on Tuesday after an angry crowd barricaded the road and burnt tyres.
About 300 community members rallied together in support of cattle owner, Dennis Mathenjwa, who lost 28 head of cattle allegedly due to poisoning.
Last Wednesday, the herd strayed onto the commercial Kaas Farm of Arnold Raath, West of the N2, where they collapsed and died.
The carcasses, including two pregnant cows and six calves, were severely bloated, with losses estimated around R250 000.
Raath had to be evacuated, when parts of his farm and implementation were torched and four rare Black Impala worth about R2-million were slaughtered.
Community members are now waiting for MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Minister Cyril Xaba, to address them.
The Minister met with the Hluhluwe Farmer’s Association on Monday to discuss a way forward and is expected to address the community at the scene.
A spokesperson for Mathenjwa says they are eager to meet with the Minister and start paving a way forward to find solutions for the escalating conflict between farmers, which is fuelled by the ongoing drought and food scarcity.
Forensic results pending
SPCA Inspector, Roland Fivas and the SAP forensic team gathered samples of grass, ground and water on the scene and the evidence is currently awaiting collection by the investigating officer for forensic testing.
Chairman of the Hluhuwe Farmer’s Association and commercial farmer, Peter John said: ‘We are waiting for the outcome of the investigation by SAPS and the malicious injury to property case is pending.
‘The SAPS cluster commander has promised to prioritise the matter.
‘When the MEC spoke to the farmers, Minister Xaba concentrated on devising a plan for immediate action and future relationships. The drought is playing a big part in the situation. In the meantime, we must all remain calm and wait for the forensic outcome.’
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