South African National Parks (SANParks) today announced the conviction of four poachers in the |Ai|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park (ARTP). Members of the Ranger Corp, assisted by the botanical team and South African Police Services were involved in the arrest of the succulent poachers who were trying to steal endangered “Halfmens” trees within the ARTP.
According to SANParks Regional General Manager, Lucius Moolman, “the four arrested were sentenced and convicted on Thursday, 21 April 2022, to seven years. The removal and permanent damage of 14 Pachypodium namaquanum is one of the worst cases in the history of the Richtersveld National Park, due to the significant cultural, tourism and natural value of the plants. Due to the sensitivity of the species, they will not be able to be rehabilitated into their natural habitat and this will have a negative impact on the specific population.”
The species are of great value, and are seen as a valuable asset to the ARTP, which is the only national park in South Africa where the species are being conserved. All plants in the Northern Cape Province are protected and a permit is needed to remove, transport or possess these plants.
The Richtersveld National Park (part of the ARTP) is a contractual park, managed jointly by the local community board called the ‘RGBK’ and SANParks. It is the only national park where the community is allowed to live and farm within a national park.
In conclusion, Moolman said that he welcomes the conviction and “SANParks considers the poaching of succulents a serious offence and will not tolerate this type of poaching from members of the public. We will not rest until each and every suspect is convicted and the poaching is stopped.”
Issued by:South African National Parks (SANParks) Arid Region Communications
