Hunting body expels member for poaching

The South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association (SAHGCA) has dishonourably expelled André Klopper (21) from the association for poaching.

- Advertisement -

A disciplinary committee investigated a complaint about Klopper’s hunting activities following his involvement in illegal and night hunting activities. Chris Niehaus, CEO of SAHGCA, said Klopper’s status as a dedicated hunter had been revoked with immediate effect and that the Central Firearms Registry has been informed accordingly. SAHGCA has also recommended to the SA Police Services that Klopper be declared incompetent to own a firearm. Klopper was found guilty on criminal charges in the Kroonstad Magistrate’s Court and was fined R2 000 or six months’ imprisonment.

His father, Johan Klopper, was also dishonourably expelled from SAHGCA, following a shooting incident in which someone lost an eye. Both André and Johan Klopper were members of the association’s Valschrivier branch, in Kroonstad. Niehaus emphasised that the association promoted responsible and ethical hunting that underscored conservation through sustainable use. SAHGCA has approximately 36 500 members in 71 branches throughout South Africa