An investigation is under way after a stray bullet, accidentally discharged by a SAPS member who apparently feared a lion attack at the Felidae big cat sanctuary, injured another police officer.
AN INVESTIGATION is under way after a stray bullet, accidentally discharged by a SAPS member who apparently feared a lion attack at the Felidae big cat sanctuary, injured another police officer.
During the incident, a large group of SAPS members accompanied Eskom officials to disconnect the power supply on the farm, which is situated along the N8, approximately 30 kilometres outside Kimberley.
To prevent the lions from escaping, the wild cat sanctuary has since resorted to hiring generators.
Felidae Centre filed an urgent application in the Pretoria High Court this week to restore the electricity supply.
According to Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) spokesperson Phaladi Shuping, an investigation is under way regarding the discharge of a firearm.
“It is alleged that the owner of the farm unlocked the gate where the lions were kept and the police ran away. It is further alleged that one of the officers fell while running, where his firearm accidentally discharged and the bullet hit his colleague,” said Shuping.
The owner of Felidae Centre, Chriszanne Burger, said there was a dispute over their electricity account dating back to 2021, which they have unsuccessfully attempted to resolve.
“We received an outstanding account of R450,000, while the billing system was incorrect. We also made various payments towards settling the debt and negotiated a payment agreement. We also requested our lawyers to intervene,” said Burger.
She stated that around 20 heavily armed SAPS members from the Jacobsdal police station, farmers and Eskom and nature conservation officials gathered at the entrance of the centre on July 26.
“The contingent arrived in a Nyala, a quantum mini-bus and a bakkie. They wanted to enter the property without a search warrant. We advised them that if the electricity was switched off, the lions and other wild animals could break loose. The Eskom official refused to accept our lawyer’s letter ”
Burger added that a Land Cruiser and the Nyala drove through a fence and flattened thorn trees and bushes in order to gain access to the premises.
“They almost bumped into my mother, who had to scream for them to stop their vehicles. During the entire commotion, we heard a gunshot being fired. The injured police officer had to be carried on his colleague’s backs so that he could seek medical attention.”
She said their cellphones were confiscated and they were warned that they were not allowed to take videos of the incident.
“We had firearms pointed at us while our staff, foreign nationals and their two minor children – who are living and working on the farm, were also intimidated and threatened at gunpoint. We had to calm down the lions after everyone had left.”
Burger pointed out that they had suffered significant losses after the power was disconnected.
“We are a non-profit organisation that relies on donations. We had to dispose of rotting carcasses and meat that was donated to the centre to feed the lions, as the cold storage facilities could not operate. Over the past 10 days, we have spent around R1,900 to keep the generators running, not including the costs of diesel and petrol. We have to ensure that the enclosures that accommodate 16 lions, one cheetah, two leopards and other animals remain secured.”
Eskom spokesperson for the Free State, Stephanie Jansen van Rensburg indicated that the customer had an outstanding account since October 2022.
“The amount owed was R432,281.40 on June 26. A payment of R10,000 was made on June 24 and R50,000 on June 28, following engagements that were held with the customer and their lawyer on June 21,” said Jansen van Rensburg
She explained that the payment agreement that was offered in November 2022 was not adhered to.
“The debt has accumulated to the current amount due to the customer not servicing the account in full. No attempts were made by the customer to settle the account. The billing is up to date and correct and numerous engagements were held in an effort to resolve the matter.”
Jansen van Rensburg added that the non-payment of the account led to the decision to switch off the power supply.
“Eskom does not require a search warrant to access premises as it has a service contract with the customer that allows for access.”
She stated that officials were treated in a “hostile manner” and were refused access to the premises on at least three occasions.
“There was no danger that the lions would escape if the electricity was switched off as the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs did a prior assessment of the property. They confirmed in writing to Eskom that there was a back-up supply of electricity and Eskom could proceed with the disconnection.”
Jansen van Rensburg said Eskom requested the support of the police to protect their employees.
“They were refused access and were threatened with lions when they attempted to perform their duties. The police decided on the procedures to follow.”
She said that no Eskom employee nor any member of the public sustained any injuries when the gunshot was fired.
DA Member of Parliament Liza Schickerling said they reported the incident to Ipid on August 4.
“During the chaotic scene, a SAPS member allegedly discharged his firearm by accident, wounding a fellow officer in the leg,” said Schickerling.
She condemned the “heavy-handed” approach of the SAPS members who allegedly pointed firearms at the sanctuary’s owners, intimidated volunteers and staff and roughly handled one of the owners.
“Police intimidation and the use of excessive force have no place in a democratic society. Conducting a military-style operation at a non-profit organisation, pointing firearms at innocent civilians, intimidating staff and traumatising members of our community falls short of their mandate to serve and protect citizens.”
Schickerling stated that she would pose parliamentary questions to the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, to determine why live ammunition was brought to the scene and what steps were being taken by the SAPS to investigate the matter.
