Another rhino poached in Eastern Cape
Another rhino has been poached in the Eastern Cape, bringing this week’s death toll in the province to three.
The latest discovery was on the eZulu Game Reserve between Bedford and Makhanda (formerly called Grahamstown) on Wednesday afternoon.
The death toll since January is now at 15 compared to 12 rhinos poached in the province last year.
Police spokesperson Colonel Sibongile Soci said the discovery of the rhino carcass was made during a patrol by staff members on the eZulu Game Reserve.
Soci said the rhino, which still had both horns attached, appeared to have been shot.
“It could not be established when the rhino was killed but both horns were intact,” she said.
Reserve co-owner Charles Price declined to give specifies of the case as it was under investigation.
“We are all devastated. I am actually speechless. I just wish government would just find a way to stop this. I don’t have the solution but I do know that until government take this seriously, it is just going to continue,” he said.
“They [the government] have to try and do something to stop this. We [private reserves] are trying our best but we need government to get to the bottom of this so that it can stop.”
Provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Liziwe Ntshinga said the latest spate of poachings were a concern.
“Illegal wildlife trade is not only an economic crime but also an environmental crime.
“This all stems from the workings of an organised crime network.
“We remain steadfast in dealing with this crime and have a team of detectives working on these cases,” she said.
“Our investigators are working around the clock to trace the suspects involved in these crimes and we will not rest until we arrest them.”
All rhino cases are being investigated by the specialist Stock Theft and Endangered Species unit as well as the Environmental Affairs, Green Scorpions.
“We are constantly consulting with the various anti-poaching units and other state role-players in an attempt to beef up security and patrols around these reserves,” Ntshinga said.
Ntshinga was referring to the find of two rhino carcasses on the Great Fish River Nature Reserve earlier this week.
Authorities confirmed that the Great Fish River Nature Reserve, situated between Bedford and Makhanda, is currently on high alert.
Hours after the rhino were found on Monday, three suspected poachers were arrested in East London following a tip-off.
Officials suspect the rhinos were shot dead some time between Saturday night and Monday morning.
One was found in the river – with its horns attached – while the other was found nearby on the river bank.
Other recent poaching’s on the Great Fish Reserve happened in August and July, where two rhino’s were killed.
In July, two rhino, a cow and her calf, were found at the Shamwari Game Reserve near Port Elizabeth.
Prior to that, on June 21, poachers killed a rhino on the Thorndale Safari Farm, in Kirkwood.
Another rhino was killed at the Kragga Kamma Game Park in Port Elizabeth on June 29.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
FREE TO READ | Just register if you’re new, or sign in.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@heraldlive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.