A warrant of arrest has been issued for a suspected rhino poacher who failed to appear in the Nelspruit Regional Court on Thursday, a SAPA correspondent reported.
Magistrate Eddie Hall issued the warrant for Zwelithini Maphanga, who was arrested along with Tshepo Malambe and Mike Mkansi on suspicion of illegally hunting a rhino in the Kruger National Park in 2011.
Malambe and Mkansi were present in court on Thursday.
Maphanga's lawyer told the court he did not know his client's whereabouts.
Hall said: "During the previous court appearance, Mkansi was not present. It seems the accused are taking turns being absent.
"Maphanga's bail amount will now be forfeited to the State and a warrant for his arrest will be issued."
Malambe was remanded in custody while Mkansi's bail was extended with a warning that he appear again on September 16.
In a separate case in the same court, three suspected poachers also appeared on charges of illegally hunting a rhino.
Sifiso Lephoko, David Mawelele, and Daniel Dlamini were arrested in the Stoltznek section of the park in March 2011.
Prosecutor Isabet Erwee told the court that Dlamini and Mawelele were currently serving time for other crimes while Lephoko was on bail.
The matter was postponed to September 16.
In a third case, Jonas Makhubela, who was arrested for illegal hunting in the park early this year, told the court he was prepared to plead guilty.
Hall told him a legal aid lawyer has been appointed to help him with his plea bargain.
"Your attorney will assist you in the procedure to be followed and you should tell him everything you need the court to know regarding your case."
The case was postponed to September 5 for the defence to prepare the confession statement.
By:
South African Press Association
Verity and Dean Cherry had an African dream in 1999 and started Nhongo Safaris® to eliminate the logistical challenges of international visitors on safari. We provide a once in a lifetime experience for wildlife enthusiast that demand quality overnight safaris in South Africa and most particularly the Kruger National Park. We want to enrich our visitors’ experience by providing Luxury Safari Packages or African Safari Holidays and maintain our position as leader in Kruger Park Safaris.
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Some of Nhongo Safaris Fleet of Open Safari Vehicles
The photo shows some of our fleet of Open Safari Vehicles used while on safari in the Kruger National and Hwange National Parks. These ve...
Friday, 23 August 2013
On Safari from 20 August 2013
On Marks Open Vehicle:
20 August 2013
Route: Napi - Doispan - Albaseni - Napi – Nkambeni Tented Camp
After a good breakfast it was out on the open vehicle to see what we could find.
Highlights of the Safari:
A serval cat in the road approx 600m past shitlhave dam entrance on the Napi, it walked in front of the open vehicle for a while and then headed off westwards. Lioness walking next to the vehicle on the H3 heading towards S112. 2 lioness and 2 cubs lying on a rock up at klipspringer koppies, soaking up the late afternoon sunrays as well as 4 wild dog on the road 3kms from napi boulders exit. Seemed like they were getting ready to start a late afternoon hunt.
General animals seen throughout the day was as follows:
Giraffe, waterbuck, impala, warthog, hippos, kudu, zebra, steenbok, common duiker.
Still no leopard, but will give it my best shot tomorrow
On Deans Open Vehicle:
21 August 2013
After picking up 7 guests from OR Tambo International Airport we arrived at Nkambeni Tented Safari Camp, after doing the necessary checking in, guests had the chance to have some lunch and a rest after the drive from Johannesburg before leaving on their afternoons game drive.
Afternoon drive:
We left camp at 15h00 getting buffalo on the camp access road we continued up the Numbi gate tar getting impala and kudu. We turned onto Napi road making our way in the direction of Shithave dam, about two kilometers before the dam, we came across a herd of elephants feeding in the valley. After enjoying the sighting we made our way down to the dam getting sightings of impala, waterbuck, Egyptian geese as well as a grey heron.
We made our way back to (Road cannot be named due to poaching). We come across a nice male rhino as he walked next to the road. We continued on turning onto Napi boulders loop. Not much was seen here. We made our way back onto Napi Road taking the direction back to camp.
We made our way along Napi Road coming back to the sighting of the elephants which had got a lot closer to the road. We watched the elephants for a while as they got closer.
As we were enjoying the sighting, a female leopard decided to cross the road and take a closer look at some young kudu nearby, this proved to be a quick sighting as nothing really materialized.
We made our way back to camp, arriving just before 18h00, in time for guests to enjoy a good dinner in Africa.
22 August 2013
This morning, after breakfast, we made our way out of camp, getting the buffalo back on the camp access road. We made our way down the Numbi Gate tar getting some elephant and kudu before turning on (Road cannot be named due to poaching)as we made our way down, we come upon another sighting of rhino, we carried on and enjoyed another leopard sighting just 2.7 kilometers from the napi boulders exit. We continued in a easterly direction getting a sighting of two wild dogs close to the flat rocks on Napi Road, we also enjoyed good sightings of zebra, impala, wildebeest and giraffe.
While making our way to Skukuza for a break, and going past Deleport waterhole, we got a call of lions lying close to the road 1.4 kilometres down the S114. We made our way in that direction, and were lucky to find two males lying close to the road. After enjoying the sighting, we made our way to Skukuza for the break.
After a good break, and leaving the camp, we got another call of lions on the Tshokwane tar that had made a kill. We made our way there, getting a good sighting of them eating on a buffalo they had killed next to the Sand River. After enjoying the sighting we went on getting more sightings of elephant, leopard, lion, hippo, giraffe and buffalo.
We made our way to the Skukuza Golf Club for lunch getting another sighting of hippo's.
After lunch, we made our way back to Nkambeni Safari Camp on Napi Road, getting great sightings of buffalo, elephant, zebra, impala, giraffe, wildebeest and wharthog. More rhino sightings were also experienced.
We got back to camp at 16h15, with just fifteen minutes before guests had to leave on their afternoon / evening drive.
23 August 2013
Another day in Africa awaits us. It was up early and after breakfast we headed out.
This morning’s drive we went on the Numbi Gate Tar – Napi Road – Shithave dam as well as Boulders
We got a great sighting of a pride of lions chasing sub adult lions who wondered to close.
Further to this sightings include elephant, rhino as well as another sighting of lions at Napi Boulders Entrance.
Keep watching for more updates!!
20 August 2013
Route: Napi - Doispan - Albaseni - Napi – Nkambeni Tented Camp
After a good breakfast it was out on the open vehicle to see what we could find.
Highlights of the Safari:
A serval cat in the road approx 600m past shitlhave dam entrance on the Napi, it walked in front of the open vehicle for a while and then headed off westwards. Lioness walking next to the vehicle on the H3 heading towards S112. 2 lioness and 2 cubs lying on a rock up at klipspringer koppies, soaking up the late afternoon sunrays as well as 4 wild dog on the road 3kms from napi boulders exit. Seemed like they were getting ready to start a late afternoon hunt.
General animals seen throughout the day was as follows:
Giraffe, waterbuck, impala, warthog, hippos, kudu, zebra, steenbok, common duiker.
Still no leopard, but will give it my best shot tomorrow
On Deans Open Vehicle:
21 August 2013
After picking up 7 guests from OR Tambo International Airport we arrived at Nkambeni Tented Safari Camp, after doing the necessary checking in, guests had the chance to have some lunch and a rest after the drive from Johannesburg before leaving on their afternoons game drive.
Afternoon drive:
We left camp at 15h00 getting buffalo on the camp access road we continued up the Numbi gate tar getting impala and kudu. We turned onto Napi road making our way in the direction of Shithave dam, about two kilometers before the dam, we came across a herd of elephants feeding in the valley. After enjoying the sighting we made our way down to the dam getting sightings of impala, waterbuck, Egyptian geese as well as a grey heron.
We made our way back to (Road cannot be named due to poaching). We come across a nice male rhino as he walked next to the road. We continued on turning onto Napi boulders loop. Not much was seen here. We made our way back onto Napi Road taking the direction back to camp.
We made our way along Napi Road coming back to the sighting of the elephants which had got a lot closer to the road. We watched the elephants for a while as they got closer.
As we were enjoying the sighting, a female leopard decided to cross the road and take a closer look at some young kudu nearby, this proved to be a quick sighting as nothing really materialized.
We made our way back to camp, arriving just before 18h00, in time for guests to enjoy a good dinner in Africa.
22 August 2013
This morning, after breakfast, we made our way out of camp, getting the buffalo back on the camp access road. We made our way down the Numbi Gate tar getting some elephant and kudu before turning on (Road cannot be named due to poaching)as we made our way down, we come upon another sighting of rhino, we carried on and enjoyed another leopard sighting just 2.7 kilometers from the napi boulders exit. We continued in a easterly direction getting a sighting of two wild dogs close to the flat rocks on Napi Road, we also enjoyed good sightings of zebra, impala, wildebeest and giraffe.
While making our way to Skukuza for a break, and going past Deleport waterhole, we got a call of lions lying close to the road 1.4 kilometres down the S114. We made our way in that direction, and were lucky to find two males lying close to the road. After enjoying the sighting, we made our way to Skukuza for the break.
After a good break, and leaving the camp, we got another call of lions on the Tshokwane tar that had made a kill. We made our way there, getting a good sighting of them eating on a buffalo they had killed next to the Sand River. After enjoying the sighting we went on getting more sightings of elephant, leopard, lion, hippo, giraffe and buffalo.
We made our way to the Skukuza Golf Club for lunch getting another sighting of hippo's.
After lunch, we made our way back to Nkambeni Safari Camp on Napi Road, getting great sightings of buffalo, elephant, zebra, impala, giraffe, wildebeest and wharthog. More rhino sightings were also experienced.
We got back to camp at 16h15, with just fifteen minutes before guests had to leave on their afternoon / evening drive.
23 August 2013
Another day in Africa awaits us. It was up early and after breakfast we headed out.
This morning’s drive we went on the Numbi Gate Tar – Napi Road – Shithave dam as well as Boulders
We got a great sighting of a pride of lions chasing sub adult lions who wondered to close.
Further to this sightings include elephant, rhino as well as another sighting of lions at Napi Boulders Entrance.
Keep watching for more updates!!
Thursday, 22 August 2013
SANParks Announces Successful Operator For Skukuza Airport
The South African National Parks (SANParks) has today announced the appointment of a preferred operator for the Skukuza Airport in the iconic Kruger National Park.
SANParks, Chief Executive Officer, Dr. David Mabunda said the successful bid was submitted by the Skukuza Airport Management Company (Pty) Ltd jointly owned by Lion Sands, Federal Air and Airlink. The consortium will sign a Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with SANParks for a period of ten years.
The announcement follows a lengthy process of technical evaluation and adjudication of bids submitted in response to a Request for Proposals issued in April 2013.
According to Dr. Mabunda this development will benefit SANParks’ long haul clients and those from major centers who will no longer be subjected to a two hour drive from Nelspruit to the Kruger National Park. “We are reliving a tradition that started in 1959 to enhance visitor convenience and experience and we are looking forward to working with our new partners in taking the business of managing national parks assets to another level.”
In reacting to the announcement, Robert More, Lion Sands Co-founder and CEO said it is an absolute privilege to be involved in this venture. “Our lodges are all in close proximity to Skukuza and our customers will benefit significantly from re-opening the Skukuza airport to scheduled air services”.
C
arl Trieloff, Commercial Director of Special Projects at Fed Air added, “We are proud to be part of the consortium behind the winning bid. We are looking forward to providing visitors the opportunity to experience a high quality affordable bushveld experience”.
Rodger Foster, Airlink’s CEO responded by saying his company is delighted to be in the consortium and looking forward to delivering scheduled air services to Skukuza, and access to all lodges within the Skukuza precinct. This is going to make travelling to the Kruger National Park simpler and affordable.
Skukuza Airport Management Company will be given access to the Skukuza airport facility from 1 September 2013, in order to commence with the alterations and improvements essential to bringing the airport to the international standard, which will include rehabilitation of the runway.
It is envisaged that the airport upgrades should be substantially completed by 1 November 2013 to achieve the necessary licensing by the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). It is anticipated that the licensing process will be completed before the first quarter of 2014 with scheduled flights set to commence in March 2014.
In conclusion, Dr. Mabunda said, SANParks was highly impressed with the successful bidder’s operational plan for the airport and its associated air services. “This included a comprehensive environmental management plan to limit the noise impact of operations overarching minimized environmental impact philosophy.”
Issued by:
South African National Parks Corporate Communications
SANParks, Chief Executive Officer, Dr. David Mabunda said the successful bid was submitted by the Skukuza Airport Management Company (Pty) Ltd jointly owned by Lion Sands, Federal Air and Airlink. The consortium will sign a Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with SANParks for a period of ten years.
The announcement follows a lengthy process of technical evaluation and adjudication of bids submitted in response to a Request for Proposals issued in April 2013.
According to Dr. Mabunda this development will benefit SANParks’ long haul clients and those from major centers who will no longer be subjected to a two hour drive from Nelspruit to the Kruger National Park. “We are reliving a tradition that started in 1959 to enhance visitor convenience and experience and we are looking forward to working with our new partners in taking the business of managing national parks assets to another level.”
In reacting to the announcement, Robert More, Lion Sands Co-founder and CEO said it is an absolute privilege to be involved in this venture. “Our lodges are all in close proximity to Skukuza and our customers will benefit significantly from re-opening the Skukuza airport to scheduled air services”.
C
arl Trieloff, Commercial Director of Special Projects at Fed Air added, “We are proud to be part of the consortium behind the winning bid. We are looking forward to providing visitors the opportunity to experience a high quality affordable bushveld experience”.
Rodger Foster, Airlink’s CEO responded by saying his company is delighted to be in the consortium and looking forward to delivering scheduled air services to Skukuza, and access to all lodges within the Skukuza precinct. This is going to make travelling to the Kruger National Park simpler and affordable.
Skukuza Airport Management Company will be given access to the Skukuza airport facility from 1 September 2013, in order to commence with the alterations and improvements essential to bringing the airport to the international standard, which will include rehabilitation of the runway.
It is envisaged that the airport upgrades should be substantially completed by 1 November 2013 to achieve the necessary licensing by the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). It is anticipated that the licensing process will be completed before the first quarter of 2014 with scheduled flights set to commence in March 2014.
In conclusion, Dr. Mabunda said, SANParks was highly impressed with the successful bidder’s operational plan for the airport and its associated air services. “This included a comprehensive environmental management plan to limit the noise impact of operations overarching minimized environmental impact philosophy.”
Issued by:
South African National Parks Corporate Communications
Wednesday, 21 August 2013
The SANParks Research Report 2012
The South African National Parks (SANParks) recently published its Research Report for 2012.
The report was inspired by an earlier assessment of selected research achievements in SANParks for the period 2008 to 2011. The objective was to reflect on our achievements as well as to showcase the (scope of) research conducted within the organisation, with particular emphasis on 2012; this is actually the first time such an annual research report has been produced within SANParks.
Contributions were solicited from throughout Scientific Services, with far many more received than were able to be accommodated (which is in itself a reflection of the scope and diversity of our research).
The report does not intend to be an all-encompassing break-down of the research carried out, but rather attempts to highlight the scope and function of the research undertaken, how this research underpins the management of the SANParks estate, the burgeoning focus on social-ecological research, and the people involved (including external collaborators and research partners), their objectives and the challenges facing them.
View the SANParks Research Report 2012: http://bit.ly/1f1sOwA
Issued by:
South African National Parks
The report was inspired by an earlier assessment of selected research achievements in SANParks for the period 2008 to 2011. The objective was to reflect on our achievements as well as to showcase the (scope of) research conducted within the organisation, with particular emphasis on 2012; this is actually the first time such an annual research report has been produced within SANParks.
Contributions were solicited from throughout Scientific Services, with far many more received than were able to be accommodated (which is in itself a reflection of the scope and diversity of our research).
The report does not intend to be an all-encompassing break-down of the research carried out, but rather attempts to highlight the scope and function of the research undertaken, how this research underpins the management of the SANParks estate, the burgeoning focus on social-ecological research, and the people involved (including external collaborators and research partners), their objectives and the challenges facing them.
View the SANParks Research Report 2012: http://bit.ly/1f1sOwA
Issued by:
South African National Parks
Introducing A New Safari
4 DAY BEST OF BOTH WORLDS SAFARI
Have the chance to experience the Kruger National Park as
well as the Panorama Route all in one.. Follow the link to view the full Itinerary
and cost http://www.nhongosafaris.co.za/index.php/African-Safaris/4-day-best-of-both-worlds-safari-3-nights.html
Tuesday, 20 August 2013
SANDF Soldier Killed In Kruger National Park
A soldier has been killed during an operation in the Kruger National Park, the SA National Defence Force said on Monday.
Private Thabiso Zulu, of Regiment East Rand, was deployed on Sunday with 2 SA Infantry Battalion.
“(He) was allegedly involved in a fatal shooting incident whilst on duty during Operation Corona in the Kruger National Park,” said Brig-Gen Xolani Mabanga.
A board of inquiry had been convened to investigate the shooting incident, he said.
Mabanga declined to comment on circumstances surrounding Zulu's death. He said further information would be released once the investigation had been completed.
Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Ngqakula expressed condolences to the soldier's relatives.
By:
South African Press Association
Private Thabiso Zulu, of Regiment East Rand, was deployed on Sunday with 2 SA Infantry Battalion.
“(He) was allegedly involved in a fatal shooting incident whilst on duty during Operation Corona in the Kruger National Park,” said Brig-Gen Xolani Mabanga.
A board of inquiry had been convened to investigate the shooting incident, he said.
Mabanga declined to comment on circumstances surrounding Zulu's death. He said further information would be released once the investigation had been completed.
Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Ngqakula expressed condolences to the soldier's relatives.
By:
South African Press Association
Poaching Update
Poachers Update: 19/08 - In a joint SANParks Rangers and SAPS Intelligence driven operation outside the park, 3 suspects operating in Manyeleti, Sabie Sands and KNP were arrested. A .375 rifle with silencer, 9mm pistol, ammo, stolen vehicle and other hunting equipment were recovered.
Rhino Poaching Update
Poachers Update: 19/08 - Crocodile Bridge Rangers made contact with 2 suspected poachers. 1 suspect with a firearm was wounded and arrested - firearm and rhino horns were recovered. The 2nd suspect managed to escape arrest back to Mozambique.
Monday, 19 August 2013
On Safari With Mark
Mark has been a very busy guide for the last nine days of being on Safari.
12 August 2013
The highlight of this day was definitely the sightings of a Lioness and her cubs and the herd of over 400 buffalo.
Route: napi - eloff - lower sabi - eloff - napi - Nkambeni
General game viewing was great today with the following animals seen:
Kudu, giraffe, warthog, impala, waterbuck, zebra, mongoose, steenbok, common duiker, nylala, bushbuck, klipspringer, vervet monkeys, chackma baboon and spotted hyaena and lots of birds seen.
Both black and white rhino
A herd of 400 buffalo
Lioness with her 2 cubs
2 male lions lying sleeping on Marola loop
7 different herds of elephant
A young female leopard at boulders exit
Just got to show clients a cheetah and wild dogs then they have seen it all
13th August 2013
After breakfast this morning we went in search of Cheetah and Wild Dogs as guests had a fantastic day on the 12th August. The morning was a bit slow and guests were departing the park by 11h00am after which new guests were arriving for another three day safari. General game was spotted early morning.
My new guests arrived from the United States and we went straight to Nkambeni Camp for lunch and then for an afternoon drive where we once again had a bit of a slow start to the day with sightings of general game before returning to camp late afternoon.
14 August 2013
Route: napi - H3 - doispan - albaseni
General game seen was giraffe, klipspringer, zebra, impala, waterbuck, kudu, warthog, steenbok, chackma baboons, vervet monkeys, common diukers, bushbuck, hyaena and rhino was seen on our drive today.
We had a pride of 9 lions lying in the riverbed just past Eco entrance on eloff.
2 different elephant herds crossed over the napi (1 at boulders exit and 1 near the S114 napi junction.
Buffalo bulls seen on eloff crossing over to have a drink in the river
2 African rock pythons just past high level bridge on eloff. Both lying basking in the sun. Wow can you believe the snakes are out already?
A total of 10 southern ground hornbills for the day.
No leopard, so we will just have to try and get one tomorrow.
Temperature was 36.7 deg today. Other guests arrived late afternoon and then all went on a Sundowner driver with the rangers from Nkambeni.
15 August 2013
Route: Napi - eloff - Napi - Nkambeni camp
General sightings: giraffe, zebra, common duiker, warthog, kudu, waterbuck, steenbok, baboons, monkeys, hippos, nile crocodiles, buffalo's and rhino's
As we started our drive, we found 3 sable antelope on the Numbi tar (1 bull, 1 cow and a sub adult). This was an awesome sighting!
2 male lions lying in the shade of a gwaribush approx 200m from napi on S114.
At lower sabi, we got word of 3 female that had just killed a warthog. We responded and found them 500m down saliti from highlevel link. Warthog was almost finished and only entrails was still lying in spot they killed it.
Further to that the drive back to camp was rather quiet, with only general game spotted.
Still no leopard, will try before we exit the park.
16th August 2013
This morning guests left at 10h00am to return to Johannesburg and we are having a well deserved two day break before returning to the bush on the 19th August 2013 with new guests. We shall see what we can find on their arrival.
Till then! ………………………………
12 August 2013
The highlight of this day was definitely the sightings of a Lioness and her cubs and the herd of over 400 buffalo.
Route: napi - eloff - lower sabi - eloff - napi - Nkambeni
General game viewing was great today with the following animals seen:
Kudu, giraffe, warthog, impala, waterbuck, zebra, mongoose, steenbok, common duiker, nylala, bushbuck, klipspringer, vervet monkeys, chackma baboon and spotted hyaena and lots of birds seen.
Both black and white rhino
A herd of 400 buffalo
Lioness with her 2 cubs
2 male lions lying sleeping on Marola loop
7 different herds of elephant
A young female leopard at boulders exit
Just got to show clients a cheetah and wild dogs then they have seen it all
13th August 2013
After breakfast this morning we went in search of Cheetah and Wild Dogs as guests had a fantastic day on the 12th August. The morning was a bit slow and guests were departing the park by 11h00am after which new guests were arriving for another three day safari. General game was spotted early morning.
My new guests arrived from the United States and we went straight to Nkambeni Camp for lunch and then for an afternoon drive where we once again had a bit of a slow start to the day with sightings of general game before returning to camp late afternoon.
14 August 2013
Route: napi - H3 - doispan - albaseni
General game seen was giraffe, klipspringer, zebra, impala, waterbuck, kudu, warthog, steenbok, chackma baboons, vervet monkeys, common diukers, bushbuck, hyaena and rhino was seen on our drive today.
We had a pride of 9 lions lying in the riverbed just past Eco entrance on eloff.
2 different elephant herds crossed over the napi (1 at boulders exit and 1 near the S114 napi junction.
Buffalo bulls seen on eloff crossing over to have a drink in the river
2 African rock pythons just past high level bridge on eloff. Both lying basking in the sun. Wow can you believe the snakes are out already?
A total of 10 southern ground hornbills for the day.
No leopard, so we will just have to try and get one tomorrow.
Temperature was 36.7 deg today. Other guests arrived late afternoon and then all went on a Sundowner driver with the rangers from Nkambeni.
15 August 2013
Route: Napi - eloff - Napi - Nkambeni camp
General sightings: giraffe, zebra, common duiker, warthog, kudu, waterbuck, steenbok, baboons, monkeys, hippos, nile crocodiles, buffalo's and rhino's
As we started our drive, we found 3 sable antelope on the Numbi tar (1 bull, 1 cow and a sub adult). This was an awesome sighting!
2 male lions lying in the shade of a gwaribush approx 200m from napi on S114.
At lower sabi, we got word of 3 female that had just killed a warthog. We responded and found them 500m down saliti from highlevel link. Warthog was almost finished and only entrails was still lying in spot they killed it.
Further to that the drive back to camp was rather quiet, with only general game spotted.
Still no leopard, will try before we exit the park.
16th August 2013
This morning guests left at 10h00am to return to Johannesburg and we are having a well deserved two day break before returning to the bush on the 19th August 2013 with new guests. We shall see what we can find on their arrival.
Till then! ………………………………
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