South African National Parks field rangers, who were out on a routine patrol detected the tracks of three unidentified people, and followed the tracks to where they exited the park. Upon backtracking on the same tracks the carcass of a dehorned rhino bull was found at around 5pm that afternoon. The crime scene was secured and is currently being investigated by a SAPS forensics team together with SANParks officials.
The Marakele National Park has not had any rhino poaching incidents for the last two years according to Paul Daphne, SANParks head of communications, who said, "We are distressed at the loss of this rhino, as SANParks had put in place a number of enhanced security measures to prevent further rhino poaching in Marakele since the loss of a number of animals at the end of 2011. Our ranger teams have been working tirelessly around the clock to ensure that rhino poachers do not establish a foothold in the Marakele National Park."
"We will continue to fight the battle against rhino poaching, and we will be implementing further measures in order to ensure greater rhino security. We are continuing to work together with other role players to develop more effective anti-poaching strategies for the park and also in the Greater Waterberg Biosphere area," said Daphne.
Anyone with information can contact poaching tip-off anonymous lines on 0800 205 005, 08600 10111 or Crime-Line on 32211.
