Bark stripping suspects arrested in Newlands Forest

Three bark strippers have been arrested after being caught in the act of stripping trees in Newlands Forest in the early hours of yesterday morning, 18 April 2023.

Bark stripping has been a devastating problem in Newlands Forest since the late ‘90s, with trees – including some rare ones – dying because the bark is where the trees’ nutrients and water is dispersed from.

According to Newlands Forest Conservation website:

“Bark stripping is the illegal harvesting of tree bark for private use by individuals. Tree bark has been used in traditional medicines and rituals for centuries in many parts of Africa and the rest of the world as well. It is widely used in South Africa by traditional healers in medicines and potions (“muti”).”

Speaking to IOL in 2020, a Newlands preservation society members explained that “the trees protect the mountains against erosion and the roots help stop invasive species and the tree canopy helps retain the moisture of the forest. A single night of bark stripping can kill about 10 to 20 mature trees. Some trees are up to 100 years old.”

South African National Parks (SANParks) said it’s pleased by the arrests which are an “encouraging development in the fight against bark stripping in Newlands Forest within the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP).”

The arrests at 01h15 on Tuesday were the culmination of a successful operation led by the TMNP Sea, Air and Mountain (SEAM) and Special Operations Rangers.

SANParks said the team had been in the Newlands area as part of an extended operation to combat illegal bark stripping. The Rangers were able to ambush the bark strippers and seized four bags of bark, which lead to the arrests. The three suspects are currently in police custody and have been charged in terms of the National Environment Protected Areas (NEM:PA) Act 57 of 2003 for their actions.

“They’re expected to appear in court at the earliest convenience and it is our hope that they will share more information on other members operating in the area,” said Megan Taplin, TMNP Park Manager.

Taplin expressed pride in the team’s work, stating that this is a great example of the dedication and bravery of SANParks’ rangers, who put themselves in harm’s way to protect South Africa’s natural heritage.

“Very well done to all involved and your tireless efforts indeed paid off. It should be noted that the recent arrest is not a once-off operation and that TMNP is serious about the protection of our natural heritage.”

TMNP would like to urge the public to continue helping us in the fight against environmental crime and report any suspicious activity on 086 110 6417.

More about bark stripping here.