17 March 2024
By: Lloyd Phillips
Investigations continue into the suspected poisoning of 26 vultures in the Kalahari early in January. Conservationists and farmers remain determined to expose the culprits.
Conservationists and farmers in the Kalahari are still determined to apprehend those responsible for the poisoning of 24 white-backed vultures and two rare black vultures. The carcasses were discovered early in January.
“Vultures in South Africa are under great pressure and incidents like these will contribute to their demise,” says Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, manager of stewardship and industry affairs at CropLife SA and director of the Griffon Poison Information Centre.
“My personal opinion is that anyone directly or indirectly responsible for vulture mortalities due to poisoning should be sentenced to at least 25 years in prison.
“My other powerful message to landowners who use toxins to kill predators is that we, namely myself, my staff, and vulture-supporting farmers, will pursue you and unleash the wrath of hell upon you.”
Verdoorn’s sentiments are supported by other farmers in the Kalahari who spoke anonymously to African Farming.
They are upset and saddened by the vulture mortalities in their area. This is especially because many in the local farming community support efforts to boost vulture populations.
<caption>The efforts of an increasing number of farmers across South Africa to boost and support local vulture populations can be reversed by the unlawful actions of a small number of negligent individuals. Photo: Fredalette Uys
Dedicated investigating officer
Verdoorn says Sgt Wynand van Rensburg, the police officer investigating the alleged vulture poisonings, personally delivered biological samples from the scene to the SAPS forensic science laboratory in Pretoria. These samples will be analysed to determine which substance caused the vulture mortalities.
Verdoorn commends Van Rensburg for his comprehensive investigation and handling of the scene, and for his interviews with farmworkers and other individuals who may have knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“I can say without a doubt that such police officers are as rare as hen’s teeth. My concern is whether the analysis by the SAPS forensic department will be treated as a priority. If not, it will hinder the prosecution of the guilty party.
“Once the forensic toxicology report is prepared, I will have to draft my sworn statement in support of the case and ensure that the guilty party is subjected to the strictest possible penalties by using all possible legislation at my disposal.”
He refers to the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies, and Stock Remedies Act (Act 36 of 1947), the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998), regulations for threatened or protected species, and the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act (Act 9 of 2009).
Verdoorn says if the National Prosecuting Authority takes this case seriously, a significant prison sentence could be imposed on the guilty party.
He also commends residents and landowners of the Kalahari where the poisonings occurred for their assistance in reporting and investigating the incident. It encourages him that farmers have taken action and demanded a proper investigation and hopefully severe consequences for the offenders.
