SANParks.org Forums

Rule breakers should be reported to ammon.mhaule@sanparks.org. Yes, people should include as much information such date, road, time etc.

Kind regards


Laura Mukwevho
Public Relations
Kruger National Park

From: Lucy Nhlapo
Sent: 10 September 2009 01:56 PM
To: Dalene Preston
Cc: Abe Sibiya

Dear Dalene,

All I can say to the forum is that the rules are emphasized on a daily basis and that it is a pity that the wrong doers are not seen most of the time.

I have recently spoken to our Acting ME requesting some funding to do radio shows once more as well as media coverage regarding the concerns raised.

I must say that this is a great concern to the KNP Management Team as well and we will do anything to continuously educate the public about the park rules and we will bring the perpetrators to book. I thank the forum for highlighting these issues and promise that they will be attended to.

Thank you

Lucy Nhlapo
HOD: Tourism & Marketing

For many years, HR’s were seen as the unofficial “police force” of SANParks. This was also why the corps was established 45 years ago. Times and roles have changed to the extent where this approach is no longer deemed appropriate for a volunteer force. The remark from the HR who asked the person to remove the child from his lap serves as a prime example. There will always be a disgruntled party (normally the guilty one!).

Furthermore, it is extremely difficult to enforce any traffic violations, as HR’s are not equipped with the necessary equipment to prove speeding or similar acts of transgression that we witness every day. HR’s are encouraged to approach every situation cautiously, and where possible, to take a photograph of transgressors and report them to the nearest Rest camp/Ranger without delay, together with the evidence. The SANParks staff are equipped with the necessary authority to fine transgressors, or take appropriate action. Our role is to assist the public more than enforcing the rules that exist in Parks, and we are really not legally appointed “Peace officers” for SANParks.

Visitors who witness rule breakers should take culprits details e.g. vehicle registration, picture etc; where possible they should contact 013 735 4325 immediately or report to the nearest park official. They do not have reprimand the offender as some people might become violent in such situations.

Kind regards


Laura Mukwevho
Media Relations
Kruger National Park

What happens is that a follow-up is made by Protection Services immediately after such incidents are reported; each case is however treated on its merits. The nearest law enforcer then rushes to the scene, traces the vehicle, fines the offender (the fine issued depends on the nature of offence committed). If the culprit is not found in the park at the time of the incident and there is evidence that they committed a park offence, their details are traced and are either sent stern warnings or summons where possible. Unfortunately if the culprit does not want to pay the fine and decides to contest the matter in court, it can be thrown out however if there are witnesses prepared to testify in court, he/she can be proven guilty.


The fines for disobeying the rules and regulations in the KNP are issued according to various regulations of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, Act 57 of 2003. These fines are revised on an annual basis, are proposed by the KNP Managing Executive and approved by the White River Magistrate. See attached fine list which was revised this year in April 2009.

Unfortunately our law enforcement officials cannot always be everywhere every time hence we encourage visitors to use the emergency number that is available where one can report any infringement of a park rule; be it accident, crime or any other incident that needs immediate attention. The number works 24/7 and it can be reached by dialling 013 735 4325; staff in that office will alert the closest law enforcement officer who will rush to the scene of the incident so that offenders can be caught on the act. Alternatively, one can report the matter to the nearest camp reception/ranger station immediately.

For some time, Protection Services engaged with the provincial traffic department in order to find a way for legal processes to be effected against the offenders. Please note that the Directorate of Public Prosecution has recently approved “speed over distance cameras” as a valid law enforcement method. In an effort to curb over speeding and lawlessness in the park, KNP Management is in the process of installing speed over distance cameras on some main roads within the park which will be functional effectively from mid-December 2009. This management system will broadly address many issues such as speeding, getting out of cars on undesignated areas, any other unlawful behaviour etc. It is anticipated that this system will in future introduce grey listing of the rule breakers, who will receive a warning and will be endorsed on the system/database every time they break the rules of the park. The system will alert Protection Services every time the offender visits the park and if they commit further park offences, they will eventually be suspended or banned from the park.

Kind regards

Laura Mukwevho
Media Relations
Kruger National Park

FACT SHEET – FINES IN THE KNP


Fines for disobeying the rules and regulations in the Kruger National Park (KNP) are issued according to various regulations of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, Act 57 of 2003.

Description of Regulation - Previous fine according to the National Parks Act, Act 57 of 1976 as approved in 2004 - New Fine
Feeding of animals R400 R500
Removal of wood, sand, gravel, stone or other material New regulation R1000
Entering or leaving the park at any place other than through an official point or entry and exit without the written permission of the management authority R500 R1 500
Staying overnight without paying the applicable fees R700 R1 500
Driving a vehicle in a manner that constitutes a nuisance, disturbance, inconvenience, or danger to any other person New regulation R1 500
Driving in a manner that causes an obstruction, blocks the pathway of a management operation or emergency vehicles R500 R1 500
Drive or park anywhere except on a designated road or place R500 R1 000
Drive or operate any vehicle in a reckless or negligent manner or in a deliberate or intentional disregard for the safety of any person, species, specimen or property of whatever nature New regulation reworded from various “reckless driving” offences Court
Use or cause to be used, any loud speaker or similar device or other noisy equipment R400 R1 500
Driving a vehicle off road or off designated roads or tracks R500 R1 500
Deposit or leave any litter except in receptacle for that purpose R400 R1 500
Light or cause any fire to be started or make use of an open fire, other than in a fireplace or container for this purpose R1 000 R1 500 or if serious, Court
Play any radio, compact disc player, music system, musical instrument or in any way cause any noise in any manner likely to disturb any species or specimen or other person R400 R1 500
Convey or be in possession of any firearm, or dangerous weapon, or any explosive, trap or poison No change Court
Hunt, catch, capture or kill any specimen of a listed threatened or protected species No change Court
Bringing a dog, cat or pet into a National Park R300 R1 000
Hinder trouble, intimidate or obstruct an authorised official in the execution of his or her duties, or the performance of his or her functions R750 Court
Violates, refuses to obey or comply with any prohibition request or instruction by alighting from a motor vehicle or protruding from an open window door or roof R500 R1 500
Failure to obey or comply with prohibition, request or instruction by management authority, by travelling outside normal gate opening/closing times No change Fines vary from R500 to R1 000, depending on how late the motorist arrives at the gate
Exceeding the speed limit on gravel roads Fines are issued according to both the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, Act 57 or 2003 and various regulations according the National Road Traffic Regulations Fines vary from R100 to R1 500 depending on speed recorded. If speed exceeds 84 km/h, the driver could land up in Court
Exceeding the speed limit on tar roads Fines are issued according to both the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, Act 57 or 2003 and various regulations according the National Road Traffic Regulations Fines vary from R100 to R1 500 depending on speed recorded. If speed exceeds 94 km/h, the driver could land up in Court

Fines are revised on an annual basis and are proposed by the KNP Managing Executive and approved by the White River Magistrate. The 2004 fine list was used to illustrate the extent of the fine increase over the last five years.

Fines mentioned above are selected as the fines most applicable to normal visitors to the KNP.

Hooting is not allowed in the park and if one is found guilty, they can be fined up to an amount of R1 500. Check the regulation highlighted in red; people should not hesitate to report anyone who commits this offence in the park as it is noise pollution and disturbs animals or other visitors.

Thanks

Kind regards
Laura Mukwevho
Media Relations

Rule breakers should be reported to ammon.mhaule@sanparks.org. Yes, people should include as much information such date, road, time etc.

Kind regards


Laura Mukwevho
Public Relations
Kruger National Park

Protruding in the park:

If an arm is outside the car because one is genuinely taking a picture, this cannot be against the rule. When body parts like head, shoulders etc protrude from an open window, sunroof or door on undesignated areas, then they’ll be breaching the rule.