The Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) has raised concerns over the increase in protea poaching in the Vredehoek area.
Also read: Camps Bay flagged as a hotspot for marine poachers
This year, seven J534 fines (at a cost of R2 500 each) were issued for protea poaching, says Babalwa Dlangamandla, TMNP’s public relations officer.
Three people were arrested for protea poaching and four warnings were issued, as one of the suspects was in possession of gum leaves and not proteas. ‘The suspects target the area as it has an easy escape route to town. Our rangers do vehicle patrols in the area and respond to all complaints from the residents when reported,’ says Dlangamandla.
‘The residents are a great help as they are our eyes and ears on the ground and we appreciate their assistance in reporting these incidents.’
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As per News24, TMNP has partnered with the Devil’s Peak Vredehoek Watch Group (DPV), police and several other safety organisations to conduct patrols to curb flora poaching and other illegal activities.
‘Following a detailed discussion about the legal framework applicable to this matter, we identified who the responsible enforcement entities are and how they can all work together to address the issue,’ says Francine Higham, Ward 77 councillor.
‘Key also was sharing information about the collection, buying and selling of any flora whether indigenous or endangered. Essentially, no one is allowed to collect or sell flora without a permit from Cape Nature. A permit is required even for the clearing of alien vegetation. Please don’t buy plants from anyone if they are not able to provide evidence of a permit for the sale of flora.’
On Monday, Higham joined SANParks and DPV in a joint patrol of the Devil’s Peak area. While no incidents were reported, evidence of people sleeping in the mountain was found.
‘Patrolling together is also a great opportunity to understand what resources are available, and how best our Neighbourhood Watches and residents can support SANParks in their mandated role to protect and conserve our biodiversity, landscapes and heritage assets in Table Mountain National Park.’
Any incidents or suspicious activity can be reported to Table Mountain National Park via their emergency number at 086 110 6417.
If residents need assistance, or spot flora or protea poachers in the City area, they can report it to the City’s emergency number at 021 480 7700.
If you reside in the Vredehoek and Devil’s Peak areas and would like to get involved in the DPV Watch patrols, sign up here.
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Also read:
Authorities crackdown on poachers in Cape Point (capetownetc.com)
Picture: David Clode / Unsplash
