Fight against rhino poaching continues

"It is clear we need to continue working with all stakeholders and our entire South African society if this war on rhino poaching is to be won. It is clear that this is an organised crime. In dealing with organised criminals we need inputs and action from all South Africans in an organised manner," said spokesperson for the department, Albi Modise.

The latest statistics on rhinos poached for 2012 stand at 388, with the Kruger National Park having lost a total of 241 rhinos since the beginning of the year. Limpopo, the North-West and KwaZulu-Natal continue to be the provinces most targeted by poachers, collectively accounting for 119 of the total rhinos poached this year.

Interventions are implemented

Operation Rhino still remains a standing agenda item of the National Joints Committee, which comprises of senior members of SAPS, NPA and the South African National Defence Force. As a result of this ongoing cooperation, 203 people have been arrested in 2012 alone for rhino poaching and related activities. Of these, 176 were poachers, ten receivers or couriers and 17 were couriers or buyers.

Numerous other identified interventions continue to be implemented in an attempt to curb rhino poaching. These interventions range from publication and implementation of the norms and standards for the marking of rhinoceros horn and for the hunting of rhinoceros for trophy hunting purposes to the Council of the Global Environment Facility having approved R25m of funding aimed at strengthening our wildlife forensic capabilities. At an international level, the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation on the field of Biodiversity Conservation and Protection between South Africa and Vietnam is at an advanced stage.

"However, the concern expressed by South Africans as well as the numerous initiatives aimed at raising awareness around the poaching of our precious resource also needs to be commended. The public continue to make a meaningful contribution in the fight against poaching but enhanced participation is required to deal effectively with this grave situation before is too late," said Modise.