Molewa condemns rhino killings at Gauteng nature reserve

Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa has condemned the killing and dehorning of two rhino at the Rietvlei Nature Reserve on the outskirts of Pretoria on Thursday night.

“I am hopeful that the perpetrators of this heinous crime will be arrested and brought to book soon,” Molewa said in a statement on Saturday.

She urged South Africans to continue working with law enforcement agencies in ensuring that all individuals involved in the ongoing attacks on the rhino population faced the full might of the law.

Members of the public who had any information on rhino poaching and wildlife crime in general should bring it to the attention of the relevant authorities and encourage their friends and family to do the same.

Molewa also encouraged all communities in Tshwane to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their area they believed might be related to rhino poaching.

“No matter how small or insignificant you may think it is, it can help us.”

She reiterated that implementation of the integrated strategic management approach adopted by government to combat rhino poaching in a comprehensive manner was bearing fruit.

“While we are not yet able to declare victory, we are making progress. We, as government, are not giving up the fight against rhino poaching in South Africa and will ensure that all resources necessary to bring about an end to rhino poaching in our country are utilised,” Molewa said.

The Rietvlei Nature Reserve has introduced additional security measures and the reserve remains closed until further notice.

- African News Agency