"The only reason why information about rhino poaching is being centralised, is because the issue has become a crisis," Modise said. "We want a single message to reach civil society." Several organisations had been very critical of this decision, and had accused government of trying to cover up or manipulate information, Modise added. He announced that Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa would speak to journalists about the issue over the weekend.
During the sentencing of Limpopo game farmer Jaques Els for his involvement in rhino poaching, Magistrate Pat Cloete said he had read in newspapers of all the rhinos that had been killed in Limpopo last week. "It is taking on astronomical proportions. It has to be stopped." Thabazimbi-based Els, 39, was given an eight year sentence for his involvement in rhino poaching and was also ordered by the Makhado Magistrate's Court to pay the Green Scorpions R1m. He was granted bail of R300 000, pending his intention to lodge an appeal, Els is also in danger of having his assets seized. He will appear in court again on June 2, news24.com says.
Read "Rhino poaching at crisis point" on www.news24.com.
Read "Game farmer jailed for rhino horns" on www.news24.com.
