Pretoria - The total number of rhino poached in South Africa since January 2013 has increased to 746, the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs says.
The Kruger National Park continues to bear the brunt of rhino poaching with 450 rhino killed for their horns so far this year.
Of the total number of rhino poached, 80 rhino have been killed in Limpopo, 75 in North West, 70 in KwaZulu-Natal and 63 in Mpumalanga.
The department said the number of people arrested for rhino related offences is 228.
As part of concerted efforts to fight poaching, during September 2013, the Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security, under the leadership of the South African National Defence Force, adopted a decision for South Africa to collaborate with Mozambique to develop and implement a common strategy between all affected spheres of government in both countries.
In addition to that, the recent SADC meeting of Environmental Ministers agreed to continue tackling the rhino problem as a sub-region.
South Africans are encouraged to report incidents of poaching and tip-offs to the anonymous tip-off lines 0800 205 005, 08600 10111 or Crime-Line on 32211. – SAnews.gov.za
