Seven impala were killed on May 2 in the Kruger National Park by the driver of a delivery truck belonging to Shivers Contracting Company, a contractor currently working in the park.
According to eyewitnesses, the vehicle, which was driving towards Skukuza, overtook their cars at high speed, and slammed over the impala at the junction of Paul Kruger and Skukuza Staff Village roads.
Action has been taken against the offending driver, who, according to SANParks, has been given a hefty fine.
“SANParks not only grieves for the loss of the impala but is also saddened that such an incident took place in a protected area, which is meant for safeguarding of these animals,” said SANParks spokesman, William Mabasa.
Mabasa said strict measures had to be taken against the driver. “We cannot afford to allow this sort of behaviour by anyone, including our business partners. We expect this move will act as a deterrent, while we also hope and pray that a similar incident will not repeat itself in future.
“We’d like to appeal to the public to always be on the look-out for all kinds of species while driving on the roads in the park as they are a general site; therefore please remember that these animals have right of way,” he concluded.
