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Two rhinos
The MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT) in the North West Province, Bitsa Lenkopane has condemned the recent poaching of two white rhinos at Botsalano Nature Reserve over the Christmas holidays.
It is reported that the rhinos had been legally dehorned by departmental conservation personnel to deter poaching. However, suspected poachers shot and killed the animals, whose carcasses were discovered by field rangers during routine patrols.
Lenkopane says investigations are under way and the department is working together with all relevant law enforcement agencies.
The department has encouraged communities around the reserves to observe and alert law enforcement agencies when suspicious activities are detected.
The department says some of these criminals harbour within nearby communities, either before or after such crimes are committed.
It says the escape of two rhinos at Mafikeng Nature reserve on December 25 is a separate incident not related to the Botsalano rhino poaching incident.
Escaped rhinos were successfully driven back into the reserve by staff members last week.
