NW Rhino Poaching
Pretoria – North West Premier Thandi Modise has commended the provincial Rhino Priority Committee for its role in the fight against rhino poaching.
In her State of the Province Address on 22 February, Modise thanked the committee for playing a part in the 32 arrests that have been made thus far under its leadership.
The latest operation saw six poachers being arrested at Sandgate farm in Vryburg last Wednesday.
Modise said the committee sought to evaluate the occurrence of rhino poaching incidents, oversee joint planning and give feedback on investigations.
Statistics show the province lost 77 rhinos in 2012, compared to 21 in 2011 and 57 in 2010.
The province has lost 11 rhinos to poaching since the beginning of this year.
“Rhino poaching is a priority crime and therefore treated as a serious crime. We hope to make a breakthrough in combating rhino poaching.
“Miscreants will undoubtedly be brought to book. We will arrest, charge, find them guilty and sentence them,” Modise said.
The committee, chaired by the South African Police Services, constitutes various government security agencies and stakeholders such as the National Prosecuting Authority, Justice Department, unions, traditional leaders, North West Parks and Tourism Board, the Private Rhino Association and the Provincial Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism. – SAnews.gov.za
