The threat of closure follows a series of violent attacks on hikers‚ including one three weeks ago were three friends - David Moldenhauer‚ Jody Main-Baillie and Cameron McLean - were stoned‚ beaten with knobkerries and set upon by hunting dogs‚ as reported last week by the Sunday Times.
Park rangers and tourism officials initially said the area‚ particularly around the Royal Natal National Park‚ would be "closed to all persons" from May 20 because of the crime situation.
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But another notice published on online hiking forums this week said the decision to close the park had been delayed until a meeting between key stakeholders scheduled for May 31.
"We hope … to prevent this drastic action from being taken‚ bearing in mind that the safety of hikers is foremost in our minds and that stakeholder engagement will ultimately guide decisions on the future of this area‚" the notice reads.
Wildlife authority Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife spokesperson Musa Mntambo confirmed this‚ adding that the May 31 meeting will be attended by hiking and tourism organisations‚ the police and wildlife officials.
"The goals are to discuss strategies that can improve the security of hikers at the amphitheatre so that it remains open. Closing it will be the last resort once all has failed‚" said Mntambo.
– TMG Digital
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