Mpumalanga MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Mrs YN ‘Pinky’ Phosa says government is concerned about the alarming increase in number of rhinos that have been poached since the beginning of this year.
This is after the release of national statistics by the National Department of Environmental Affairs, indicating a total of 227 rhinos that have been maimed nationwide for their horns. The majority of these rhinos (163) were killed at the Kruger National Park (KNP) and 10 in Mpumalanga.
“Despite all the efforts made by government to fight rhino poaching in this country, ’it is very clear that we need to continue working with all stakeholders and all South Africans, and our neighbouring countries, if this war on rhino poaching is to be won,” added MEC Phosa.
At the end of 2012, 668 rhinos were killed nationwide, with the KNP accounting for 452 and Mpumalanga 28.
In its quest to attack this scourge, the South African National Defense Force has joined forces with the KNP, through their anti-rhino poaching operation dubbed Operation RHINO, being carried out at the Park. However five (5) of their members lost their lives due to an unfortunate helicopter crash during an operation at the KNP.
“We applaud the efforts of the South African National Defense Force in fighting this scourge. We were also saddened by the loss of five (5) of their members, who died in the call of duty, when their helicopter crashed during a scheduled aerial patrol at the Kruger National Park on Saturday, 30 March 2013. Our heartfelt condolences go to their families and loved ones may their soul rest in peace,” said MEC Phosa.
Meanwhile statistics indicate that 63 people have been arrested nationwide so far, regarding rhino poaching. At the end of 2012, a total of 267 people were arrested.
“We congratulate our law enforcement agencies for the arrests of these selfish greedy people, and believe that they will receive the highest penalty they deserve. We will never let greediness to rule at the expense of future generations. Our rhino population is depleting at an alarming rate, and as government, we will never rest until these perpetrators are brought to book,” concluded MEC Phosa.
South Africans are urged to report incidents of poaching and tip–off to the anonymous tip- off lines 0800 205 005, 08600 10111 or crime line on 32211.
Enquiries, contact:
Mohau Ramodibe
Cell: 082 771 9950
Tel: 013 766 4148
Comfort Ngobe
Cell: 082 412 1997
