South African National Parks (SANParks) will offer a cash reward of R100 000 to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of poachers and a further R1 million for a successful conviction of a poaching syndicate mastermind.
This was announced by SANParks Chief Executive Officer, David Mabunda today (12 December). “We are also happy to announce our partnership with South Africa’s Crime Line, a ground-breaking initiative that allows members of the public to make anonymous SMS tip-offs on suspected crimes at any time of the day, courtesy of LeadSA, a Primedia and Independent Newspapers initiative,” says Mabunda.
He also announced that SANParks had appointed a retired decorated army Major General, Johan Jooste, to oversee the overall anti-poaching operations in the Kruger National Park, as part of its tactics to fight rhino poaching. The appoinmtnet of Jooste will conclude the foundation phase of a multi-pronged strategy against rhino poaching.
The strategy will leverage on existing capacities and strategic alliances Mabunda said . He commended a KNP ranger whothree weeks ago alerted SANParks officials and the police regarding an offer by suspected poachers to collude with them. He instead helped to stage a set-up that led to the successful arrest of the perpetrators.
“His honesty, commitment and diligence to the cause of protecting the rhino has not gone unnoticed. The organisation will reward his good deed.”
South Africa has lost an unprecedented number of rhinos in the last five years most of which were killed in the Kruger National Park.
“This has resulted in warranted and unwarranted sanctions both internally and internationally on South Africa’s strategy of managing the poaching of rhinos. It is therefore, our hope the approach that we are taking will in time bring the much needed invigoration in the fight against the decimation of our natural heritage.”
Jooste has a vast experience in military intelligence, border and area protection and also contemporary knowledge of modern technology use and integration into capability and some knowledge in conservation.
Of his appointment the Major general said: “I am not a Messiah but a proven leader and a team player. I will do my best to bring acceptable results. This fight against poaching is not about an individual. Success depends on the collective collaboration and commitment from the men and women tasked with the responsibility of conserving our heritage.”
He added that the battle lines had been drawn and it was up to him and his team to forcefully push back the frontiers of poaching.
The appointment of the Major General comes after the deployment of a Seeker Seabird aircraft donated by the Ichikowits Family Foundation as well as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Seeker 2, loaned to SANParks by arms manufacturer Denel. The two military aircrafts will provide the much needed intelligence especially at night when most incursions and poaching incidents are taking place.
“This will give added advantage to the ground troops and will hopefully act as a deterrent,” Mabunda said.
News courtesy of SAnews.gov.za
(edited)
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