File
Poachers killed 24 rhinos in four provinces since 1 December. This grim statistic was provided by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment.
Spokesperson, Albi Modise, said as of Tuesday the carcasses of six rhinos were discovered in KwaZulu/Natal, four in the Western Cape, and seven each in Mpumalanga and Kruger National Park.
“The Department condemns the continued poaching of these iconic species for their horn, and commends the work being done by rangers and security officials over the festive period to stem the killing of rhino,” he said.
Modise said nine suspected poachers were also arrested in the first 14 days of December, including four suspects being held in connection with the poaching of four rhinos in the Western Cape.
He said the Department is urging members of the public to assist with any information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of poachers by calling 10111 or the environmental crime hotline on 0800 205 005.
