22 Sep 2019

Winners of a raffle conducted in Tonota on September 20 have been advised not to kill more than the number of trophies they are licensed for.

Ten elephants, 10 ostriches, 22 impalas, 10 steenbok, 10 duiker, eight kudus and two baboons were awarded during the raffle.

The Control Hunting Areas (CHA) for the animals stretched from CT16 and CT18 between Sese and Maitengwe.

In an interview, principal wildlife officer, Mr Mpho Nthomiwa, said this hunting, which would be in 25 CHAs,  was opened to citizens only.

Mr Nthomiwa said hunting for other species started in September 3 ending on November 30 while elephants would be hunted from September 3 - January 31 next year.

He said a special quota for elephants would be conducted on auction sale in the near future.

In regard to elephant tusks, he told winners that they would be allowed to keep the tusk as an ornament, adding that the Department of Wildlife and National Parks will make a special mark on the task since they were not to be sold.

He advised them that when going to hunt elephants, they would need to be accompanied by escort from department of wildlife, a professional hunter and a fee of P8 000 would have to be paid for the licence to be issued.

“One will be issued a CHA permit, valid for a week and is always renewable after expiry until the end of the hunting season.”

He said winners list would be placed at the kgotla and advised residents that hunting would be from 6am to 6pm.

He said the license was not transferable, adding that if the animal was not paid, it could be resold.

Mr Nthomiwa said those who won animals should be present during hunting and if they would be unable to hunt, the name of the person doing the shooting should be written at the back of the license.

For his part, Kgosi Bokamoso Radipitsi of Tonota said the essence of conducting the raffle at the kgotla was to show transparency.

He said the transparency was even attested to by the presence of people who came as far as Tutume to witness the proceedings.

He applauded the department for an initiative to take the raffle to his village, saying such signified solidarity and transparency.

For his part, Kgosi Tapson Madikwe of Tutume said the raffle went well and that he was pleased with proceedings.

He advised those who did not win not to give up, but continue applying when the quota is issued.

One of the residents, Mr Maxwell Tema said although he was not successful, the raffle was fair. Mr Tema said some residents were ignorant about hunting hence their lack of interest in the raffle. Ends