KZN boosts security for Easter
2005-03-24 17:24
Johannesburg - Security has been stepped up at Wetlands Park, near St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal, ahead of the Easter weekend, said an official on Thursday.
The move follows a spate of hijackings and armed robberies this year.
Wetlands authority chief executive Andrew Zaloumis emphasised the warnings being given to visitors to the northern sections of the reserve.
Zaloumis said: "They are warned to take extreme caution, to avoid driving after 16:00, to travel with another vehicle if possible and not to stop in isolated areas to picnic, swim or fish."
Hijackings happen in evenings
Recent hijackings and robberies had taken place in the Lake Sibaya and Manzengwenya sections and were believed to be the activities of an aggressive, armed syndicate.
The hijackings had taken place mainly in the late afternoons and evenings.
The park's conservation managers, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Wetlands Park authority, are working closely with police and the defence force to bring the situation under control.
Increased security measures also have been put in place at Maphelane, south of the St Lucia estuary and Sodwana Bay.
There will be a visible military presence in some places.
- SAPA