Security steps have been taken at the Kruger National Park in the wake of attacks at four entrance gates and camps of the park between August and October, Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk has said.
In reply to a question from Democratic Alliance member of the National Council of Provinces, Watty Watson, who asked what arrangements had been made to increase visible security and protection of officials and visitors to South Africa National Parks, the minister said:
”During October 2006 a preliminary security audit was carried out by the specialised South African Police Service division of protection and security services and [South African National Parks] security personnel. Special attention was paid to threats and risks relating to visitor and staff safety, access control as well as cash and infrastructure security.”
He said armed Kruger National Park security and ranger personnel were deployed at all entrance gates and regular joint preventative security operations were implemented throughout the park by police, rangers and security at the park.
Drop safes had been installed at all gates.
”All cash collected at the gates is deposited, on a regular basis, into the safes. Access to the safes requires two keys. The second key to the safe is held by an external cash-in-transit management service provider.”
All cash deposits from the drop safe” were collected six days a week by reputable cash-in-transit management service providers, reported the minister.
Security video intercom systems are being installed at the relevant remote security gates where 24-hour access is available.
In addition, searches at all entrance gates had been stepped up to ensure visitor safety and planning and installation of alarm systems — linked to armed response at all gate offices — ”is in progress”.
The installation of CCTV cameras at all major entrance gates to the park ”is presently being investigated. An assessment of the equipment available and sourcing of funding is at present under way.”
Honorary rangers were not appointed as peace officers and therefore could not be used for law enforcement purposes. — I-Net Bridge