San Bushmen fined for hunting

2005-02-04 11:01

Johannesburg - Six San Bushmen were fined last week by Botswana authorities for hunting in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Survival International said on Thursday.

"On the eve of the three-year anniversary of the eviction of the Gana and Gwi Bushmen from their land in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, six Bushmen have been heavily fined for hunting to feed their families," the London based agency said.

The San Bushmen were arrested in July last year and were detained two weeks without trial before being fined one thousand Pula each.

"Despite having very little money, all have paid."

Seven others were awaiting trial.

Survival International said Botswana president, Festus Mogae, told British members of parliament last year that the Bushmen were allowed to hunt in the game reserve.

"His government had previously banned all hunting and gathering inside the reserve, making the San Bushmen's way of life impossible.

"Last week's fines make it clear that while Botswana wants the international community to believe it is respecting the San Bushmen's rights to hunt, the reality on the ground is unchanged."

"Many Bushmen have been arrested and tortured for hunting in the reserve, where they have lived for thousands of years."

- SAPA