STRIDES have been made in the fight against rhino poaching with the arrest of 23 suspects, including a woman, a correctional officer and a member of the South African Police last week.
The enforcement team, dubbed Rhino 8, comprises of various government departments, including members from various disciplines of SAPS, Customs and Excise, the South African National Defence Force, Ezemvelo and SANParks game rangers.
The team made the arrests in Hluhluwe, Mkhuze and Pongola in KwaZulu-Natal, Calcutta, Skukuza in Mphumalanga and Lulekani in Limpopo.
‘It is extremely disconcerting when people who are entrusted with upholding the law, such as police and correctional services officers, are involved in unlawful acts,’ a police report said.
‘The arrest of these suspects should serve as a warning to other potential poachers that their chances of success in poaching is zero.
‘With the growing help from the communities, the days of poachers are numbered.’
ALSO READ: Suspected rhino poaching kingpin back in court
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