Kruger official fires shots to scare elephant

[Bushcraft]

The "disciplinary steps" are probably just taken to appease the tourists and keep us quiet!

[Richprins]

A bit more detail in Lowvelder today...


The "ranger" has 22 years experience, so should have known better. He retains his weapon as it is necessary for his job. Next time he will be summarally dismissed. This is the first such incident in 10 years. SANParks apologises to any visitors who may have experienced inconvenience.

Weirdly, vsistors are asked to replicate their vigilance shown in Kruger in all aspects of their lives to combat lawlessness...

Ike Phaahla

[dup]

Thanks RP, I have also read the press release and it impress me ,I did not know if it is the reporter or the words of Sanpark's,Either way I think this incident at least show a positive side,lets hope the standard is kept.

[Richprins]

The last bit is somewhat sarcastic, I think...

Not a media release on SP homepage!

[Bushveld Jock]

Noted that some-one asked if SAPS was informed about this incident. One would think that all holders of firearms need to comply to the firearms control act. Even if you own an air gun it still an offence to use it in public areas.

Just a thought that it is not only about scaring the elephant but the risk of a stray bullet hitting some-one that was not even there but driving on one of the roads next to the H4-2. How can one assume its safe to fire in the air and after finding guilty then still allowed to keep his weapon.

Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000)

Chapter 16 : Offences, penalties and administrative fines

120. Offences

Purchase cart Previous page Return to chapter overview Next page

1)A person is guilty of an offence if he or she contravenes or fails to comply with any—

a)provision of this Act;

b)condition of a licence, permit or authorisation issued or granted by or under this Act; or

c)provision, direction or requirement of a notice issued under this Act.

2)

a)Any person who is aware of the existence of a firearm or ammunition that is not in the lawful possession of any person and fails to report the location of the firearm or ammunition to a police official without delay is guilty of an offence.

b)A police official to whom a person has made a report contemplated in paragraph (a), must immediately provide the person with written proof that the report has been made or, in the case of a telephonic or similar report, with the official reference number of the report.

3)It is an offence to—

a)cause bodily injury to any person or cause damage to property of any person by negligently using a firearm, an antique firearm or an airgun;

b)discharge or otherwise handle a firearm, an antique firearm or an airgun in a manner likely to injure or endanger the safety or property of any person or with reckless disregard for the safety or property of any person; or

c)have control of a loaded firearm, an antique firearm or an airgun in circumstances where it creates a risk to the safety or property of any person and not to take reasonable precautions to avoid the danger.

4)It is an offence to handle a firearm, an antique firearm or an airgun while under the influence of a substance, which has an intoxicating or a narcotic effect.

5)A person is guilty of an offence if he or she gives control of a firearm, an antique firearm or an airgun to a person whom he or she knows, or ought reasonably to have known—

a)to be mentally ill; or

b)to be under the influence of a substance which has an intoxicating or a narcotic effect.

6)It is an offence to point—

a)any firearm, an antique firearm or an airgun, whether or not it is loaded or capable of being discharged, at any other person, without good reason to do so; or

b)anything which is likely to lead a person to believe that it is a firearm, an antique firearm or an airgun at any other person, without good reason to do so.

7)It is an offence to discharge a firearm, an antique firearm or an airgun in a built-up area or any public place, without good reason to do so.

[Richprins]

Nice info, BJ!

SANParks sort of falls outside the law, I think, regarding this sort of thing? Not sure, but rangers shoot things all over the place?

There is still a bit of a dispute as to whether Kruger falls under the local municipality regarding paying rates and taxes, etc. So a big grey area!

[Bushcraft]

Interesting BJ

Why not ask on facebook

[Bushveld Jock]

It reminds me of the incident at Cape Town International airport this week when 3 people were shot in a restaurant by a policeman. Its suppose to be a safe gun-free zone, but what about police carrying guns? They will not be surged. Same happened at my work place a few years back when a security guard shot his wife in her office. When entering KNP you not allowed to take in an firearms, but no problem for the people working there.

Like RP say very grey and even outside the law, but should that be like that.