98 alleged poachers arrested in 2013

SA has lost 313 rhinos to poaching this year. The Kruger National Park lost 13 rhinos in the past week, increasing the number of rhino poached from the park in 2013 to 229. In the North West province a total of 25 rhinos have been poached, while 24 have been poached in Limpopo, 20 in KwaZulu-Natal and 15 in Mpumalanga.

On Tuesday, 14 May 2013, two alleged poachers were arrested and a third fled during a SAPS-driven operation supported by Kruger National Park rangers. One of the alleged poachers was wounded during a shootout with the rangers near Pretoriuskop. A .458 hunting rifle, silencer, ammunition, axe and knife were recovered. Investigations into the incident are continuing.

KwaZulu-Natal police said three alleged poachers appeared briefly in the Ubombo Magistrate's court on Monday on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition after they were caught near Jozini Dam with the weapons suspected to be used in rhino poaching. The police are still investigating whether or not the suspects are linked to other cases of poaching in the area.

South Africans are urged to report incidents of poaching and tip-offs to the anonymous tip-off line at 0800 205 005, 08600 10111 or Crime-Line at 32211.