LIMPOPO – Nineteen rhino carcasses were found by rangers in the Kruger National Park in December.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Col Donald Mdhluli said despite dehorning efforts by Sanparks, poachers take advantage when it starts to grow back.

“In December two Mozambican nationals carrying a rifle were confronted in the KNP, one was fatally shot, and the other is still in hospital and will appear in court,” he said.

He said the latest case they are investigating involves five or six carcasses that were found in the park.

Sanparks spokesperson JP Louw said that poaching usually increases during the festive season.

“On our part, we implement all kinds of measures. We escalate our interventions to push back against illegal practices. These include the use of technology, aerial support, our successful K-9 dog unit, the partnership we have with the South African Defence Force, SAPS, and the management of all the reserves, communities, and municipalities. This is evident with the stiffer court sentences we have secured as a result of those collaborations, as well as with the NPA and the court itself. We are very comfortable that we do not have a crisis at the moment,” he added.