MAN SHOT DEAD FOR CUTTING ENDANGERED TREE AT RESERVE

MBABANE – As poachers have been known to trespass, kill and steal game meat; now they are illegally harvesting endangered trees.

On Monday night, a man in his 30s was shot dead in the head by Mlawula Nature Reserve Game rangers, for cutting a Pod Mahogany tree (Umkolikoli) and trespassing while at the nature reserve.

According to sources, the deceased was part of three trespassers who were within the game reserve.

It was said when game rangers approached them and sought to effect a lawful arrest, the deceased tried to flee.

In an effort to apprehend the suspect, game rangers were said to have fired warning shots, which were followed by a number of shots with one being fatal.

Eswatini National Trust Commission’s (ENTC) Business Development and Marketing Manager Mzwandile Ntshangase confirmed the incident.

He said the matter is currently being handled by the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) and they could only speak to their policies.

Protocols

“The reserve follows strict protocols for handling trespassers, prioritising verbal warnings and lawful arrests, with force used only when there is an imminent threat.

“We can confirm that illegal Pod Mahogany harvesting remains a serious concern, with 15 individuals arrested in just January 2025 alone,” Ntshangase said.

In this recent incident, he said two suspects were apprehended, while one fled the scene. Ntshangase said the reserve continues to strengthen security measures and engage with local communities to combat illegal logging and protect Mlawula’s natural resources.

“We are also deeply saddened by the loss of life, and the ongoing poaching and illegal harvesting of endangered species within the community.

Pot Mahogany, a rare tree valued for premium furniture and building materials, is listed on Appendix I of CITES as one of the most threatened tree species,” he said.

Heritage

Ntshangase said they will continue to educate the public, through their various communication platforms, on the importance of conserving the natural heritage as a country.

The shooting incident was also confirmed by Deputy Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni.

Meanwhile, trespassing has been a challenge for private and national nature reserves while posing a threat to game park tourism; which is one of three draw cards into the country as the other two are culture and scenery.

The threat to game is set to have ripple effects that shall surpass the investors as government will be deprived of tax and emaSwati recruited in this sector coerced to join the over 35 per cent of unemployed people, as per the Labour Survey Report of 2023.

Also, based on previous statistics issued by the Eswatini Game Rangers Association (EGRA) depict that game farmers are robbed of a minimum of five animals per day.

On the other hand, game rangers are attacked and in instances killed for engaging in their duties in protected property.

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