Question NW413 to the Minister of Environmental Affairs
12 August 2019 - NW413
Lorimer, Ms K to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
(1) What number of (a) persons were arrested for rhino poaching in each month since 1 January 2018 In the (I) Kruger National Park, (ii) Pilanesberg National Park and (ill) any other national park, (b) the specified persons were employed by the SA National Parks and (c) successful convictions were achieved; (2) what number of (a) white and (b) black rhinos were poached in each of the specified parks In ea~ month since 1 April 2018; (3) whether her department has put a plan In place to ensure the survival of rhino in the Republic;. If so, what are the relevant details? NW1385E
Reply:
(1) (a) Number of persons arrested for rhino poaching from 1 January 2018 to 31July 2019 in:
(i) Kruger National Park: 366 (three hundred and sixty six)
(II) Pilanesberg: 7 (seven)
(iii) any other national park: Mokala National Park, 3.(three)
(b) 15 (fifteen) of the specified persons were employed by SA National Parks
(c) Information on convictions should be sourced from the South African Police Service or National Prosecuting Authority.
(2) Number of:
(a) White rhino poached from 1April2018 to 31 July 2019:
Kruger National Park: 472 (four hundred and seventy two)
Mokala National Park: 1 (one)
Marakele National Park: 2 (two)
Pilanesberg: 28 (twenty eight)
(b) Black rhino poached from 1Aprll2018 to 31 July 2019:
Kruger National Park: 32 (thirty two)
Pilanesberg: 3 (three)
(3) Due to the persistent threat posed by rhino poaching, South Africa developed and Is implementing a holistic, Integrated and multidimensional response, involving various government departments, including the Department of Environmental Affairs, SANParks, the provincial conservation and environmental departments and agencies. the South African Police Service (SAPS). the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI), Customs Division of the South African Revenue Service, the South African National Defence Force, the National Prosecuting Authority, the State Security Agency and other stakeholders such as the private rhino owners, the hunting industry and non-governmental organisations. The Implementation of the 2014
Integrated Management Plan combines the use of technology. extensive antipoaching work as well as the management of the rhino population. This approach also involves extensive international collaboration across our borders to ensure that rhino poachers are brought to book. This approach has seen a moderate decline of 91 (ninety one) Incidents from the same period last year.
Regards
MS BD CREECY. MP
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES
DATE; 2019/08/12