NWANEDI – Game to the value of some R2 million died in the Lupepe-Nwanedi Nature Reserve after allegedly having been deliberately poisoned at a waterhole.

The animals killed include endangered white rhino, zebras, wildebeest, nyalas, kudu, impala, warthogs, baboons as well as numerous birds. The horn of one of the five white rhinos which died was removed.

The police are investigating charges of theft and malicious damage to property. It is suspected that poachers poisoned the waterhole with Temic. The 30 dead animals were found by workers early Monday morning next to the waterhole.

Members of the police followed the tracks of the suspected poachers to a neighbouring village, where it disappeared. The SAPS, in conjunction with the Department of Nature Conservation, are investigating the incident.

The SAPS made a special appeal to anybody who might have information to contact the nearest police station. The police especially called upon residents of small villages in the area to provide information. They warned that the poison which was used to poison the animals is extremely dangerous and deadly and poses a threat to anybody who might come in contact with it.