It’s high time that government started prosecuting rhino poachers effectively and punishing them severely.
Poachers keep on killing the animals because they know they are unlikely to be caught. It’s clear there has been some success in protecting rhinos in some areas, especially the Kruger National Park and other game reserves in the country, but the kingpins continue to operate with impunity on many game farms and smaller reserves.
The courts fail to successfully prosecute those arrested for high-level involvement in rhino poaching.
The corruption, incompetence and leniency of the system must not be allowed to continue. I don’t know why people fail to understand that killing rhinos and trading their horns is a crime and illegal. Rhino poachers deserve to be sentenced and spend many years in prison.
Our courts should start realising the negative impact poaching has, not only on wildlife, but also on an economy dependent on tourism.
South Africa’s rhinos are in crisis. If we’re not careful, we will end up with no rhinos. Let us protect the rights of rhinos. Those involved in poaching must be punished.
We must never forget that it is a growing threat to our wildlife. Let’s stand together as a proud nation and do something to stop poaching.
Rachel Molema, Theresa Mews
The coming generations won’t be able to see any rhinos. They will be history. This thuggery needs to stop. There has to be harsh punishment for poachers and those who help them. This letter wins R200.– Editor
