Broken pottery and hillocks of litter are strewn on the overgrown pathways between dilapidated buildings.
The stacking of the rubbish suggests the area is being used regularly as an informal camping ground – a midden of congealed plastic and paper.
Amalinda Nature Reserve, a once proud beacon of East London’s ecological fervour and a popular recreation spot for families, has been turned into a hideout spot for criminals.
There does, however, finally appear to be at least some movement on addressing the state of the reserve after the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) met with officials from the department of economic development, environmental affairs and tourism (Dedeat) last week.
Established in 1968, the reserve, located 9km from East London, is a shadow of its former self.
Where animals like eland, zebra, bush buck, bush pig and Cape clawless otter were once plentiful, there is now only the sound of packets blowing in the breeze.
In the valley of the reserve, a squatter camp is swelling.
Law enforcement officers have told the Dispatch the reserve has become a popular hideout for criminals, either to stash stolen goods or the tools of their trade.
In 2014, East London businessman Lulamile Mbewana was shot and killed by Andile Mxakatho while sitting in his car near the fish farm which occurs in the reserve.
Mxakatho then dragged a woman who had been in the car with Mbewana to nearby bushes, where he raped her.
Mxakatho was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and 10 years for the rape.
Kevin Cole, of the East London Museum, said most of the animals in the reserve had been poached.
“This used to be a prime research facility for animal husbandry, and now we’ve lost a valuable centre for environment education,” he said.
“In the ’90s, we used to send school groups to the reserve as it was ideal for learning purposes. It also supported a strong birding club. That’s all gone now.”
The deterioration of the reserve appears to have spiralled, with the transition of management from Eastern Cape Nature Conservation to Eastern Cape Parks in 2004.
In July 2010, Eastern Cape Parks merged with the Eastern Cape Tourism Agency to form the ECPTA after both organisations recognised the need for the improved synergy between conservation and tourism.
Dedeat spokesperson Ncedo Lisani told the Dispatch the Amalinda reserve was managed by ECPTA.
ECPTA chief executive Vuyani Dayimani acknowledged that there had been “confusion” over who should be responsible for the 134ha property.
“When the provincial nature reserves were originally assigned to ECPTA, the Amalinda Nature Reserve was not specifically included in the list of reserves assigned to the agency,” Dayimani said.
“This led to confusion over who was responsible for this reserve. The agency’s view has always been that it cannot manage the reserve as it is not legally mandated to do this. Dedeat has, however, maintained an office on site.”
But there tunnel.
Dayimani said there had recently been discussions between ECPTA and Dedeat over the future management of the reserve.
“ECPTA has, in fact, done a provisional biodiversity assessment, which was presented to Dedeat last week.
“There are a number of significant challenges that need to be considered, such as the location of the reserve in a largely urban environment, how this aligns with provincial and national priorities as well as the associated management costs.”
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