30/12/2024
MEC BITSA LENKOPANE CONDEMNS RHINO POACHING INCIDENT AT BOTSALANO NATURE RESERVE
MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) in the North West Province strongly condemns the recent rhino poaching incident that happened at Botsalano Nature Reserve over the Christmas holidays.
MEC Bitsa Lenkopane further condemns the barbaric deeds by perpetrators who shot and killed two white rhinos (bull and a cow) which were previously legally dehorned by departmental conservation personnel. The carcasses of poached rhinos were discovered by Field Rangers whilst conducting their routine security operational patrols in the Nature Reserve.
MEC Lenkopane added “we are well aware that poaching perpetrators are taking advantage of the festive holidays to infiltrate our reserves but we are intensifying security to prevent this criminality from happening again. Investigations are well underway and we are working together with all relevant law enforcement agencies. We will leave no stone unturned in pursuit of those who have carried out these evil deeds.”
Communities around the reserves are encouraged to silently observe and alert law enforcement agencies when suspicious activities are detected as some of these criminals harbour within nearby communities either before or after such crimes are committed.
The South African Police Services (SAPS) together with the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) and the Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMIs) are jointly investigating the matter with the single objective of bringing suspects to book.
DEDECT wish to inform the public that the escape of two rhinos at Mafikeng Nature Reserve on 25th December 2024 is a separate incident not related to the Botsalano rhino poaching incidents. Escaped rhinos were successfully driven back into the reserve by staff members on Thursday 26th December 2024.
Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism
