57 Rhinos killed in January

Fifty-seven rhinos have been killed for their horns in January alone, the Environmental Affairs Department said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Albi Modise said that the highest number of rhinos killed was recorded in the Kruger National Park. Six of the animals were shot and killed in KwaZulu-Natal and another six in the North West.

Modise said two rhinos were killed for their horns in Limpopo and another one was fatally shot in Mpumalanga. Eighteen suspected rhino poachers have been arrested in connection to the crime.



He said seven rhino horns were recovered, along with hunting rifles, ammunition and poaching equipment.

Four rhino poachers were shot and killed during anti-poaching operations.

"The shootout[s] were either between police and poachers or between rangers and poachers," said Modise.



source : iafrica