- A South African National Parks (SANParks) investigation into the death of a dog allegedly knocked down by a water truck in Silvermine Nature Reserve last month concluded that there had been no wrongdoing on the driver’s part.
- The investigation was launched in response to allegations made on social media.
- In a social media post last month, a resident claimed that his dog was struck and killed due to a speeding water truck in the reserve on Wednesday 24 January.
A South African National Parks (SANParks) investigation into the death of a dog allegedly knocked down by a water truck in Silvermine Nature Reserve last month concluded that there had been no wrongdoing on the driver’s part.
The investigation was launched in response to allegations made on social media.
In a social media post last month, a resident claimed that his dog was struck and killed due to a speeding water truck in the reserve on Wednesday 24 January.
“Walking the dogs while the SANParks water truck, manned by a park ranger and a driver, raced across the gravel at breakneck speed, forcing walkers and dogs to dive for cover . . . to avoid being run over.
“My friend with my dogs managed to quickly catch the yorkie and dive into bushes to save its life.”
However, the truck was allegedly driving so fast that it struck an Anatolian cross, killing it instantly.
“Be very careful when walking on Silvermine. You don’t just need to worry about being mugged, now you also need to be worried about being hit by a SANParks water truck.”
In a statement, responding to the claims, SANParks said that Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) received a report of an incident involving allegations of one of their drivers who ran over a dog in Silvermine.
“The dog in question is reported to have been walked by a dog walker whom it can be concluded was the primary provider of allegations about what occurred.
“A thorough investigation conducted reveals that the driver was in a truck that has a tracker which proved instrumental in verifying the veracity of details provided by both the complainant and the driver.”
According to the statement, the truck driver allegedly stopped and yielded to make way for walkers.
“What we can confirm is that the truck was driving at a speed range of 6 to 10 km/h, and stopped on two occasions, confirming the submissions of the driver and eyewitness that he stopped to yield for two users with dogs along the trail.
“The investigation concluded that there was no wrongdoing on the driver’s part, and thus the incident was accidental.”
SANParks further added that negligent or reckless driving by staff is not tolerated.
“We extend sympathies to the owner and the family for the loss of the dog.”
