NPA, Police and SANParks ranges commended for sterling work in addressing rhino poaching

The Department of Environmental Affairs welcomes the sentencing of two rhino poachers to 10 years imprisonment each by the Vryheid Magistrate’s Court in KwaZulu-Natal for poaching a black rhino and possession of two rhino horn. 

The men Philani Khanyile and Nhlathu Siyaya were arrested at a roadblock in November 2010. The rhino horns were discovered in their vehicle.The department has also commended SANParks rangers and the police for their sterling efforts that have led to the arrest of 13 rhino poaching suspects countrywide in the past two weeks.

This brings to 285 the number of alleged rhino poachers arrested since January this year. A total of 267 alleged poachers were arrested in 2012.

It is due to the combined efforts of SANParks rangers, the SANDF and the police that the battle against rhino poachers in particularly the Kruger National Park will be won. Were it not for these men and women working at the coalface of rhino poaching in South Africa, many more of these iconic animals will have been poached this year. 

The number of rhino killed for their horns in South Africa since January has increased to 860. Of the rhino poached, 521 have been killed in the Kruger National Park.  A total of 87 rhino have been poached in Limpopo, 82 in North West, 79 in KwaZulu-Natal and 77 in Mpumalanga.  

South Africans and members of the international community are encouraged to information regarding rhino poaching and related  tip-offs to the anonymous tip-off lines 0800 205 005, 08600 10111 or crime-line on 32211. 

Rhino poaching statistics

 
Rhino poaching arrests statistics 

 
For media enquiries:
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871