Despite media reports stating that the recent donkey killings in exchange for their skin hides are part of a crime syndicate, the South African Police Services (SAPS) says there is no evidence to prove this, as reported cases have only been in the Northern Cape and North West provinces.
According to national SAPS spokesperson Vishnu Naidoo, as there have only been a few reported cases, the matter has not yet been considered to be a matter of national importance nor is there any proof that it is part of a syndicate.
Naidoo adds that there were no confirmation in the reported cases of whether the animals were alive or dead when they were skinned.
Meanwhile, inspector at the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA), Mpho Mokoena, says the demand for donkey hides is on the increase and the NSPCA believes that government is not doing enough to end the illegal trade practice, thus increasing the animal’s vulnerability.
He further urges members of the public, who are aware or suspect that this trade may be happening in their communities, to approach the NSPCA anonymously.
Pulane Choane/BloemfonteinCourant
