MEC commits KZN to war on rhino poaching

Pietermaritzburg - KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda, has committed the provincial government to intensifying the war against rhino poachers.

Speaking passionately at the Justice Crime Prevention and Security Cabinet Cluster (JCPSC) in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday, Kaunda said that poachers were stealing our province’s precious assets.

The JCPSC, which comprises senior government leaders, is charged with dealing with security matters, crime and corruption.

On Tuesday, the cluster was briefed by KZN Ezemvelo on the war against rhino poaching.

After an extensive briefing by the chief executive of KZN Ezemvelo, Dr David Mabunda, the cluster was made aware of the massive threat against rhinos.

Mabunda indicated that more people were needed on the ground to fight rhino poachers, suggesting that some within the organisation were working with the poachers.

“We need to remove nefarious elements within our own ranks. We are not working with angels.

“Also, the issue of security around our borders is key. On our borders we are fighting perennial battles with insurgents who want to get into our reserves,” said Mabunda.

He bemoaned the amount of money involved in this transnational crime, describing it as unbelievable.

“We once caught someone with R4.3 million in a trunk. So we also need to monitor and check up on our own staff. Anyone with power can be ­corrupted,” warned Mabunda.

Taking Mabunda’s comments to heart, MEC Kaunda said the provincial government was fully behind all efforts to fight this scourge.

“As the government, we declare war on rhino poachers who are stealing our precious assets. It is, indeed, our collective responsibility to fight rhino poachers. It is not the work of KZN Wildlife only,” said ­Kaunda, who has taken over as the chairman of the JCPSC from Premier Willies Mchunu.

Kaunda added that the government would lobby courts not to give bail to those caught attacking rhinos.