Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, Riaz Saloojee, Denel Group's CEO, said that this is a momentous occasion for both state entities to work together in the fight against rhino poaching and protecting South Africa's heritage.
He said that Denel has, over the years, developed highly sophisticated law-enforcement technology that is in international service. Similar technology has already been used successfully along the South African West Coast to combat abalone poaching. "It is our belief that this technology will significantly benefit the whole country in the fight against the bleeding of our rhino population.
"We are convinced that this technology will build the ability to detect and deter would-be poachers and provide early warnings to law-enforcement officials deployed on the ground."
SANParks CEO, Dr David Mabunda, said that this multi-pronged initiative will bring back the confidence of the South African public as the high number of animals killed will be reduced significantly. "Though we admit that we have lost a few battles, and suffered a few bloody noses, we have no intention of losing this war. We will fight until the last man or woman standing to save the nation's heritage."
At the time of the signing of the MoU, the country had lost 528 rhinos this year with 320 killed in the KNP. The number of arrests made so far stand at 222 for the country with 55 in the KNP.
