Spokesperson for the Northern Cape Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, Nomthandazo Mnisi, says the duo, 65-year-old Gerrit Michael Johannes Davies and 55-year-old Matheus Willem Johannes Viljoen were arrested on Thursday, in a multi-stakeholder operation involving members of the directorate, the police’s stock theft unit and South African National Parks (SANParks). 

While very little is revealed about the investigation the duo’s gun – an Astra revolver/handgun – and the vehicle they were travelling in were seized. Mnisi says authorities managed to thwart the deal, before the transaction could take place.

While this arrest indeed proves the war on rhino poaching is far from over, joint global efforts are continuing to win the small battles. 

Spokesperson of the Department of Environmental Affairs, Albi Modise, tells OFM News, poaching is still very much a global issue, with many African countries including Botswana, Kenya and South Africa being targeted for elephant and rhino horn. 

The spokesperson noted, however, that some strides are being made in the fight against rhino poaching. South Africa, which is home to about 80% of the world's rhino population, has been hit most severely. In 2018, 769 rhinos were poached in South Africa alone. More than 7 100 animals have been killed over the past ten years.

OFM News