At least seven people were arrested by wildlife authorities in Lantoto National Park in Central Equatoria State over the weekend for possessing bush meat.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Brigadier Joseph Taban, the director of the national park said the suspects were found in possession of at least 300 kilograms of bush meat.
“Our forces arrested seven bush meat dealers at a place called Logobero. They were caught in possession of different types of bush meat ranging from bush rats, pythons, antelopes and other species. These traders have violated the law and according sections 62 and 65 (5) of the Wildlife Act, the confiscated meat will be burnt,” he said.
Taban further said the suspects are undergoing thorough investigations and those found guilty would serve six months in jail. He cautioned the public against killing wild animals in their localities.
“Any person who violates the law and kills a wild animal will be sentenced to six months in prison. My message to the public is not to kill level three animals in the vicinity. Peace is coming and these animals could earn us hard currency, infrastructure development like schools, roads and boreholes to benefit the locals,” said Taban.
Last week, South Sudan announced plans to establish a joint wildlife management base with neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as well as 15 other African countries.