Cape Town – Rhino poaching remains a problem in South Africa, with 259 rhino poached for their horns in the first six months of this year.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) said during the same period in 2021, 249 rhinos were poached countrywide in the first six months of 2021.
From January to the end of June 2022, 82 rhinos were poached for their horns in the Kruger National Park.
“Recent trends in rhino poaching show a move away from the Kruger Park to private reserves and KwaZulu-Natal, where the majority of rhinos have been killed this year.
“This makes it all the more important for the national government to shift its focus to supporting provincial authorities and private reserves in the war on rhino poaching,” said DFFE Minister Barbara Creecy.
Poaching statistics show a loss of 210 rhino on state properties and 49 in privately-owned parks. The hardest hit during this period was KwaZulu-Natal which recorded a loss of 133 rhinos.
This is more than triple the 33 rhinos killed in the first six months of 2021.
“The demand for rhino horn remains a constant threat to our rhino populations as crime syndicates continue to operate within our borders. The number of successful arrests and prosecutions recorded over the past six months, can be attributed to the continued successful collaboration between the law enforcement agencies, including the SAPS, DPCI and the Green Scorpions, Customs officials and the National Prosecuting Authority. These efforts are supported by private security,” DFFE said.
From January to June, 69 people were arrested in connection with rhino poaching and rhino horn trafficking. Of these, 13 alleged poachers were arrested in the Kruger National Park.
“The Hawks are also working with the US Fish and Wildlife Service in an investigation arising from the discovery in June of a suspect parcel at FedEx that was destined for the USA. The parcel contained 8kg of rhino horn pieces concealed as wooden art pieces.
“A number of search-and-seizure operations took place countrywide, with the Hawks arresting one suspect and confiscating 29 rhino horns during an operation at storage and packing facilities in Bedfordview where rhino horns are prepared and packed for the illegal markets in Southeast Asia.
“In combined law enforcement operations, two suspects were arrested in June when they were stopped by the Highway Patrol in Bedfordview and found to be in possession of two fresh rhino horns. Two suspects, one an ex-Ezemvelo-KZN Parks ranger, were arrested earlier this month after their vehicle was searched, and two fresh rhino horns were seized. One of the accused had previously been arrested for possession of rhino horn in the Kruger National Park.”
Cape Times