Date: 30th April 2013
The number of rhinos poached in South Africa since the beginning of the year now stands at 273. The Kruger National Park continues to bear the brunt of rhino poaching, with the number of rhinos poached since last week increasing from 180 to 201.
Since the beginning of the year, the North West province has had a total of 21 rhinos poached while 19 have been poached in KwaZulu-Natal, 19 in Limpopo and 13 in Mpumalanga. The number of alleged poachers arrested countrywide has increased to 83, with five arrests having been made in the Kruger National Park since last week.
A total of 41 alleged poachers have been arrested in the Kruger National Park since January. In the past week, three suspected rhino poachers were arrested in the Tshokwane Section of the Park after killing a black rhino. One of the poachers died in a local hospital after being wounded in a shootout with rangers. The rhino horns were confiscated from the alleged poachers, as well as a 458 hunting rifle with a silencer, ammunition and poaching related equipment.
In a separate incident on Tuesday, an alleged poacher was fatally wounded by rangers near the Langtoon dam during a shootout. Two firearms, ammunition and poaching equipment were recovered.
South Africans are urged to report incidents of poaching and tip-offs to the anonymous tip-off lines 0800 205 005, 08600 10111 or Crime-Line on 32211.
Rhino poaching statistics:
Rhino poaching arrests statistics :
For media queries, contact:
Albi Modise on 083 490 2871
Issued by:
The Department of Environmental Affairs
