South African National Parks (SANParks) released a media article detailing the sentencing of three poachers at the Skukuza Regional Court this week.

The cost of security and protecting rhinos in private nature reserves are extremely high, especially when compared to the average lifestyle of people living on the border of the parks. There is an urgent need to alleviate the poaching crisis and uplift neighbouring communities.

GKEPF welcomes the prosecution along with the CEO of SANParks, Fundisile Mketeni, who has congratulated the prosecution, the SAPS, Ranger’s corps and the Environment Crime Investigative Unit and expressed gratitude to the justice system for stepping up and ensuring that all hands are on deck in the fight against wildlife crime.

“It is very encouraging to note that the perpetrators are not just arrested but they are also sentenced as it should be. This is a step in the right direction and it goes to show how this poaching scourge can be overcome if we all work together,” said Mketeni.

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