Cops hunt for 'leopard killer'

2008-09-05 14:36

Durban - KwaZulu-Natal police are hunting for a Jozini man linked to the slaughter of at least 120 leopards, a protected predator whose spotted pelt often adorns the shoulders of Zulu royals, the Mercury newspaper reported on Friday.

Superintendent Rajen Aiyer said wildlife products valued at about R2.6m were seized at the man's home in Mamfeni, near Jozini, three weeks ago. The same man was arrested four years ago when police found the remains of 64 leopard skins, which were in the process of being tailored into traditional attire.

Three weeks ago, police again found the remnants of another 64 leopards at the man's home, along with skins of several civet cats, 10 suni antelope, 30 samango monkeys, a wildebeest and five grey duiker.

The paper said the case was likely to revive debate about the ceremonial display of protected animal skins by the Zulu nobility and traditional leaders, and the degree to which this influenced commercially-driven wildlife crimes.

- SAPA