GET INVOLVED TO SAVE OUR RHINOS
Rooiberg - In a distressing incident that highlights the ongoing threat to South Africa’s rhino population, the Rooiberg police have launched a manhunt for unknown suspects following the poaching of two rhinos on Monday 30 October 2023 at Pomo Estate in the Waterberg District.
The owner of the estate last saw his rhinos on Sunday 29 October at approximately 09:20 in the morning, and nothing appeared out of place. However, the situation took a tragic turn the following day when the owner received a call from his employee at about 09:35. The employee reported discovering suspicious footprints on the farm. Upon further investigation, they found that no fences had been cut, but upon reaching the rhino camp, they made a gruesome discovery - two rhinos had been shot and killed, and their horns brutally removed. Authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. A case docket for rhino poaching has been allocated to the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit for further handling.
The police are urging anyone with information that could assist in the arrest of the suspects to contact the investigating officer, detective warrant officer Jurg Van Heerden, on 082 414 2337 or Crime Stop on 086 001 0111. Alternatively, you can report information to the nearest police station or share it anonymously on the MySAPS app. The incident underscores the persistent threat to rhino populations in South Africa. According to figures released on 1 August this year, a total of 231 rhinos were poached in the country between January and June 2023.
Rhino horn continues to be in demand in some eastern countries, where it is used in traditional medicine and as a status symbol to display success and wealth. There is also a belief in its supposed medicinal value, including aphrodisiacal properties, despite a lack of scientific evidence to support these claims.
Dr. Jo Shaw, CEO of Save the Rhino International, emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing this crisis. “Collaboration across communities, sectors, and borders is critical,” said Shaw. “We’ve got to build strong alliances that can proactively deter people from poaching, as well as enable thorough investigations and secure convictions after poaching”.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect these magnificent creatures and the importance of international efforts to combat the illegal trade in rhino horn. To get involved, visit www.savetherhino.org