No trace of a zebra allegedly chased by community members and learners in Qwaqwa has been found, with SANParks saying there is currently no evidence to confirm that the animal was killed.
SANParks confirmed on Monday 31 August that officials investigated a report concerning a zebra allegedly being chased in the Motampelong community by residents and learners from Mohato Secondary School.
The report was received by Corporal Ncubuka after a community member alerted him to the alleged incident.
Ncubuka notified the Section Ranger and the police’s stock theft unit before travelling to the area to investigate.
On arrival, the officials questioned a community member in an attempt to establish where the zebra or its carcass could be found. However, nobody could provide information about the whereabouts of the animal.
“No person was able to provide information as to the whereabouts of the zebra,” stated SANParks.
He added that officials found no evidence at the scene in Motampelong village to substantiate the report.
The investigation follows earlier allegations that a zebra which had reportedly strayed from Golden Gate Highlands National Park was chased and possibly killed near Mabolela village on Saturday 22 August.
According to information provided to local authorities, the zebra was seen near Mabolela Primary School before allegedly being chased by residents. It reportedly ran into nearby bushes, where it disappeared.
Witnesses subsequently claimed that about three hours later, several people emerged from the bushes carrying meat which they suspected had come from the zebra.
Rangers of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park were alerted and went to the area, but were unable to locate the animal.
According to SANParks, there is currently no evidence confirming that the animal was killed or that it was the same zebra referred to in the separate report from Motampelong.
Police has not confirmed an investigation into the alleged killing.
WO Mmako Mophiring, police spokesperson for the Thabo Mofutsanyana district, said the police in his region had no information regarding the incident.
SANParks has urged communities living near Golden Gate Highlands National Park not to chase, injure or kill wildlife that strays beyond the park’s boundaries.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park forms part of the Maloti-Drakensberg conservation area, where wildlife occasionally moves beyond the park’s boundaries into neighbouring communities.
The unlawful killing of protected game without the necessary authorisation is an offence under environmental legislation and may result in criminal charges if sufficient evidence is obtained.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities appealing to anyone who witnessed the alleged incident or has information about the whereabouts of the zebra to come forward.
