The baby rhino which went missing at Manjane Game Reserve near Mafikeng in the North West after its mother was killed and dehorned - is still missing. Nature conservation officials stumbled upon a female white rhino carcass late on Tuesday. The carcass was still fresh when nature conservation officials discovered it, suggesting that the rhino had been killed possibly less than a day earlier. The rhino was valued at R300 000.00.
An air search was initially deployed, but it had to be called off because of thick bushes. A ground search is currently underway to try and find the baby rhino. We are worried that the longer it takes to find the calf, the less chances of the animal surviving on its own. The hawks are investigating the latest incident. We understand that some farmers are considering selling off their rhino, because they feel helpless because of the acts of ruthless poachers. It would be a tragedy if this were to happen. The rhino are part of our national treasure, and by selling them off – the game farmers will be succumbing to the ruthless criminals who resort to killing these animals to make money. We urge game farmers around the country to be patient with us. There is a task team that is dedicated to investigating rhino poaching.
Enquiries:
McIntosh Polela
Cell: 082 475 1427 or 079 563 1625
Source: South African Police Service
