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South Africa: South Africa: Illegally killed for their horns

2014/10/09

Just over a thousand rhinos were illegally killed for their horns in South Africa last year.

These figures contribute to the 34% increase in the number of reported environmental incidents during the 2013/2014 financial year.

Environment minister, Edna Molewa, revealed this at a briefing in Pretoria.

During the 2012/2013 financial year the department has registered almost 5 000 incidents compared to just over 6 000 in the previous reporting period.

Rhino poaching is part the environmental crimes that continue to be problematic in the country.

A total of 256 alleged poachers have since been arrested. The arrests were made in the North West, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu Natal province having most captures.

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