Disbanding of specialist units partly to blame for increased rhino poaching

According to AfriForum, the disbanding of specialist police units is partly to blame for the increase in rhino poaching.  The former Endangered Species Protection Unit was disbanded together with the other police special units.  According to media reports, 126 rhinos have already been slaughtered this year.  That is six more than the total number of 120 rhinos poached during 2009.

AfriForum's spokesperson on environmental affairs, James Kemp, said that the specialist unit was disbanded without an effective alternative being established in its place.

"We welcome the Minister of Environmental Affairs' initiative to establish a task team to investigate rhino poaching, but in the light of the increase in incidents, AfriForum would like to know when such a unit will be fully functional," Kemp stated.

AfriForum has also received complaints from employees of provincial nature reserves in Limpopo.  According to these sources, the average age of employees in Limpopo's reserves is 55 years.  The employees are not equipped with the required anti-poaching skills either.  According to them, there is a desperate need for younger appointments, as well as comprehensive training.

"It is essential for people combating poaching at grassroots level to have access to the necessary funding, skills and equipment.  The provincial government and the Minister should start discussing these issues in order to combat poaching jointly in a more efficient manner," Kemp added.

Statement issued by James Kemp, AfriForum Spokesperson for Environmental Affairs, July 15 2010

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