SANParks ‘takes action’ against driver who bumped lioness in Kruger Park

SANParks has reportedly “taken action” against the driver who bumped into a lioness at a sighting in the Kruger National Park.

According to the Lowvelder website, the incident took place on the H1-4 between Satara and Olifants camps.

As reported by The South African website, Kruger National Park (KNP) officials were searching for the clearly impatient driver of a Toyota Land Cruiser who bumped the lioness with his vehicle on Friday, 9 August.

The vehicle was towing a caravan at the time and attempted to squeeze between two other vehicles viewing a pride of lions.

Inexplicably, despite another driver shouting out, the driver of the Toyota kept moving forward, forcing the pride to move so he could pass through.

A video recording of the incident surfaced on social media, resulting – rightly so – in a public outcry, with several comments posted calling for the driver to be banned from entering the park again.

On Sunday, the South African National Parks Facebook page posted:

Dear all,

Please note that the incident of a vehicle bumping a lioness at a sighting is being dealt with at the highest level. Action was implemented yesterday morning already as soon as we were alerted to the incident.

Thank you for the concern and care.

Spot fine?

At the time of publishing it’s unclear what “action was implemented”.

The Lowvelder website reported that Kruger National Park’s spokesperson, Ike Phaahla said: “We have consulted with security officers. They picked up the registration number through our advanced camera technology and will be following up. People should realise they are not invisible when in the park.”

Phaahla added that the driver would most likely be issued a spot fine.

In extreme cases, such as when an animal is run over, the driver might be blacklisted for a period of time.

In addition, any prior offences are also taken into consideration when determining the penalty.

Sadly, similar incidents are becoming the ‘norm’ in the Kruger Park – and other game reserves in South Africa – these days.

PICTURES | Game ranger exposes Kruger Park visitors for breaking vehicle laws

What is the craziest thing you’ve seen inside a game reserve?

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