Public protector takes on roaming predators

For the past five years, the sight of Bhini Khanyile's amputated right hand has reminded the 67-year-old of the leopard attack that left him disabled.

Khanyile was herding cattle near his homestead in the Ncemanini area outside Ulundi in northern KwaZulu-Natal in July 2009 when the leopard, which was believed to have escaped from the neighbouring Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Park, pounced.

He lost his right hand and his left hand was badly scarred in the attack. He also lost his ring finger on the left hand. Muscle damage to his left arm has left him unable to use his hand.

Khanyile's is one of several cases being investigated by public protector Thuli Madonsela as she probes claims against park authority KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife by communities bordering the 960km² reserve.

The communities allege that wild animals from the park terrorise nearby communities.

Among the claims are that the reserve's boundary fence is not adequately maintained and that the community is not compensated when escaped wild animals attack people or livestock.

"Locals have alleged that leopards have, on several occasions, escaped from the park, killing and maiming some members of the community. In addition, most locals had lost some of their livestock due to attacks by the animals, including hyenas," said Madonsela's spokeswoman, Kgalalelo Masibi.

Ncemanini is about 10km from the border of the park.

Speaking at his homestead as his cattle, goats and sheep grazed nearby, Khanyile said he thought about the attack "all the time".

"I was walking to fetch the cattle when my dogs started barking. Then I saw a leopard just a few metres in front of me. Everything happened so quickly, there was nothing I could do. It bit my hands, my arm and my forehead," he said.

He was taken to hospital after children from a neighbouring homestead heard his cries for help and came to his aid.

Several other residents have also had encounters with leopards in the area. Ntombizethu Mkhize, 53, was collecting fire wood in 2004 when she was attacked from behind. She was bitten on the head and arms.

Her injuries were not severe, but she said she was haunted by the thought of what could have happened if one of her young children, who were with her that day, had been attacked.

"They were never attacked, and I'm so thankful for that," she said. "The leopard came three times, but my dogs were barking at it. The children also helped to throw stones and chase it away."

Ward councillor Misizwe Gcaba and headman Mzikayifani Shezi said cows, sheep and goats were regularly eaten by escaped animals, mainly hyenas.

"I can't tell you how many attacks there have been, it's too many to count. There was even one this week," said Shezi.

Gcaba said that Ezemvelo should be doing more to ensure that the community and their livestock were protected. "Some of the animals dig under the fence. We're told that there is electric fencing low to the ground, but this isn't working in all the places so the animals can still get out. I don't think they're doing enough," he said.

Gcaba added that Ezemvelo owed it to the community to compensate them for any livestock that was killed.

"If one of the animals kills any cattle or sheep, we are not compensated. But if we do anything to the animals, they will call the police and charge us," he said.

Madonsela held a community meeting on July 17 and conducted an inspection of a part of the fence. She met with some of the victims and with Ezemvelo officials. Ezemvelo spokesman Musa Mntambo had not responded to questions by the time of going to print.

Khanyile is glad that an investigation is under way, but as each day passes he is afraid that another attack might happen. "I have six children, and they go to that same area to look after cattle and get wood. You never know what might happen to them," he said.

savidesm@sundaytimes.co.za