South Africa: 128 rhinos killed by poachers so far in 2013

According to the latest statistics released by the Department of Environmental Affairs, South Africa has already lost 128 rhinos to illegal poaching since the beginning of 2013. Of the rhino poached, 92 rhino were killed in the Kruger National Park, 12 in North West, 12 in KwaZulu-Natal, 8 in Limpopo and 4 in Mpumalanga. Of the 46 people arrested in connection with rhino poaching this year, three were couriers. A total of 24 alleged poachers have been arrested in the Kruger National Park, 9 in Limpopo, 8 in North West and one each in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.

Latest rhino poaching figures (as of 28 February 2013):  

• Kruger National Park (SANParks) - 92  rhinos poached
• Mapungubwe National Park (SANParks) - 0 rhino poached
• Gauteng - 0 rhino poached
• Limpopo - 8 rhinos poached
• Mpumalanga - 4 rhino poached
• North-West Province - 12 rhinos poached
• Eastern Cape - 0 rhino poached
• Free State - 0 rhino poached
• KwaZulu Natal - 12 rhinos poached
• Western Cape - 0 rhino poached
• Northern Cape - 0 rhino poached

The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has urged members of the public to report incidents of rhino poaching or any tip-offs that could lead to arrests and prevention of illegal killings to 0800 205 005.