City’s rhinos under attack

One of Polokwane’s most valuable assets, its rhinos in the Polokwane Game Reserve, have become the latest target of poachers on Wednesday morning.
Polokwane Police Spokesperson Lesiba Ramoshaba confirmed a case of poaching is being investigated after two white rhinos, a cow and 18-month-old calf, were allegedly poached and a third one wounded.
Information indicates that three poachers entered the reserve at around 05:00, possibly buy gaining access through the fence. The alleged poachers killed the cow and calf and left the other rhino wounded.
It is reported that the cow’s udder, horn and eyes were removed while the horn, tail and piece of the skin of the calf were also harvested. The wounded rhino is being treated and reportedly recuperating well.
Another source alleged that a steenbok was poached in the reserve on Monday evening and Police were called to the scene as the poachers were allegedly still in the reserve. No further information on the incident was available.
Roy Kirkpatrick, Secretary of Polokwane Pedallers Cycling Club (PPCC), said club members who have learnt about the incident and are outraged. “The PPCC strongly supports rhino conservation and has raised funds for this worthy cause that was duly donated to the authorities recently,” Kirkpatrick said.
Polokwane Municipal Spokesperson Matshidiso Mothapo said: “We can confirm the heartbreaking incident. We have called in the forensic unit of the Police and Green Scorpions and handed the case over to them for investigation. At this point we cannot provide further details as we are awaiting reports from the enforcement agencies. The municipality is saddened and disgusted by this barbaric incident and will work with the agencies to bring the culprits to book.”

Story:
RC Myburgh
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BARRY VILJOEN
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Photo: A white rhino with calf photographed in the Polokwane Game Reserve.