Protecting rhinos: Political parties want more security in KZN

Political parties say that KwaZulu-Natal game reserves and game parks need better security in order to better protect rhinos.

Following news of the increase in rhino poaching in KwaZulu-Natal, opposition parties have made calls for tighter security in the province.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy revealed rhino horn poaching statistics showing that in the last six months, 259 rhinos were poached in South Africa.

In KZN alone, a whopping 133 rhinos were poached since the start of 2022. This is more than triple the amount of 2021 when 33 rhinos were killed in the same period.

THE DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE ADDRESSES RHINO POACHING

DA spokesperson on Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in KZN Heinz de Boer said a shortage of game rangers and poor security at some parks resulted in the increase in rhino poaching in the province.

De Boer stated that the horns were moved directly from KZN to the Mozambique border.

IFP ALSO WANTS HEIGHTENED SECURITY AT RESERVES AND GAME FARMS

Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) KZN Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs committee member Steven Moodley said urgent measures needed to be taken for heightened security, reports IOL. Moodley also noted that well-trained rangers should be employed.

“More competent and well-trained game rangers should be employed and security fencing should be erected. We also need to set an example with poachers by imposing heavier sentences when they are apprehended as a clear message should be issued that this heinous act will not be tolerated,”

said Moodley.

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259 RHINOS POACHED IN FIRST HALF OF 2022 – THIS PROVINCE IS THE NEW HOTSPOT

Previously, it was reported that the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DFFE) revealed that 259 rhinos have been poached in the first six months of 2022, on Monday, 1 August.

Barbara Creecy’s Ministry said 10 more rhinos were poached between January and June 2022 than the 249 poached countrywide during the same period last year. During the first half of 2022, 82 out of 259 rhinos were poached for their horns in Kruger National Park. 

According to the department, 210 rhinos were poached on state property while private parks recorded 49 losses. KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) was the hardest hit province with a loss of 133 rhinos. For comparison, 33 rhinos were killed in the first half of 2021. Read the full story here.

By: Reeshni Chaslyn Chetty