Three suspected bark strippers have been arrested after allegedly being caught red-handed in Newlands Forest on Tuesday morning.
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According to SA National Parks (SANParks), rangers ambushed the suspects and seized four bags of bark, which led to the arrests.
Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) park manager Megan Taplin said that the rangers were in Newlands as part of an extended operation to combat illegal bark stripping.
Also read: Nine trees vandalised in Newlands Forest
‘A successful operation led by the TMNP Sea, Air and Mountain (SEAM) special operations rangers resulted in the arrest of three bark strippers who were caught in the act of stripping trees in Newlands Forest at 1.15am, 18 April,’ she said.
‘The rangers were able to ambush the bark strippers and seized four bags of bark, which led to the arrests.’
‘The three suspects are currently in police custody and have been charged in terms of National Environment Protected Areas (NEM:PA) Act 57 of 2003 for their actions.’
‘They’re expected to appear in court at an earliest convenience and it is our hope that they will share more information on other members operating in the area,’ Taplin added as she commended the team for their bravery.
Also read: Duo arrested for stripping tree barks in Newlands Forest
‘Very well done to all involved and your tireless efforts indeed paid off.’
‘It should be noted that the recent arrest is not a once-off operation, and that TMNP is serious about the protection of our natural heritage.’
The Cape beech, Cape chestnut, wild peach, assegai and stinkwood are among the indigenous trees that are commonly targeted and stripped of their bark.
TMNP has urged the public to continue helping in the fight against environmental crime and report any suspicious activity at 086 110 6417.
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TMNP strategises to tackle illegal bark stripping at Newlands Forest
Picture: Unsplash
