The Pomene National Reserve, in the district of Massinga, Inhambane province, was almost completely destroyed following a popular uprising that culminated in the vandalization and burning of all the infrastructure there.

The popular action is in retaliation for the conviction of a young man for killing a monkey in the protected area, but the local administration denies this and says it's all part of the post-election demonstrations.

According to the administrator of the Pomene National Reserve, Abílio Tamele, all the infrastructures, namely offices, dormitories and tourist offices were reduced to ashes, compromising the capacity for inspection and other surveillance activities in the area.

"Since January 8th, we've been experiencing tense moments here at the Reserve. It's been practically a whole week of vandalism and looting, culminating in the total destruction of the infrastructure, which has resulted in extensive damage that we're still assessing the costs of," said the administrator, in a publication by the Terra Magazine.

According to popular reports, the destruction of the reserve was a reaction to the sentencing of a young resident to eight years for killing a monkey, which is an environmental crime.

The administrator denies the allegation and says that the destruction comes in the wake of the post-election demonstrations that have been taking place since last November.

"It's not true that this has anything to do with the young man's conviction. The sentence was read out on the 22nd of this month and the vandalizing took place several days before this court case," said the source.

The Pomene National Reserve is a conservation area distinguished by the prevalence of species such as the wild pig, gray goat, chipene, dog monkey, gray monkey and various species of birds, especially flamingos and pelicans.

(Photo DR)