SA ups fight against rhino poaching

Friday, April 20, 2012

Pretoria - Officials have once again appealed to the public to help fight the scourge of rhino poaching in South Africa.

The Department of Environmental Affairs made the call amid the rising number of illegally killed rhinos. Currently, the record of rhinos poached this year stands at a staggering 181.

The Kruger National Park continues to bear the brunt of the losses with 111 rhinos having being killed there illegally since the beginning of this year.

However, the department said it was still encouraging to note that 113 suspected poachers have been arrested since the beginning of the year.

The Matsulu community in Mpumalanga this week actively helped South African National Parks apprehend a suspected rhino poacher.

"The (department) believes that the public's active involvement in fighting rhino poaching can lead to more arrests and contribute in addressing this scourge of rhino poaching. This united approach can result in South Africa winning the war against rhino poaching," said the department.

The public is urged to report incidents of rhino poaching or any tip-offs that could lead to arrests and prevention of illegal killing to 0800 205 005.