Farmer Quits Rhino Farming due to Poaching

[GameFarmer]

http://www.pacificbreeze353.com/news...ion=52&langu=1

Neels van Rensburg, the Brits farmer who has lost eight rhino this year alone to poachers, decided to quit the rhino farming business and plans to auction what's left of his 45 rhino.

Van Rensburg says he will continue with cattle and ostrich farming at his farm, Buffelsdraai. The recent killing of two rhino at Buffelsdraai has increased the number of poached rhino in the province to 16 this year alone.

Van Rensburg has confirmed that the rhino were dehorned. He says some people heard three gunshots while fishing in the area, but could not locate the scene as the farm is big.

He says he suspects the poachers entered the farm on foot as there was no trace of any trespassing. No arrests have been made and police are investigating.

In Swaziland, “Lucky” Maseko, a serial rhino killer, has been shot and killed by police after he shot at them. Maseko was wanted in South Africa for attempted murder, and environmental crimes, including the deaths of at least ten rhino over the last two years.

Apparently he decided to transfer to Swaziland as the risk was lower than in South Africa. However, Maseko became one of three rhino killers shot dead by Swaziland police. After the shooting of the rhino poachers, two rhino horns, guns and ammunition were recovered.

Maseko was listed as wanted on the INTERPOL website. He was also one of South Africa’s most wanted for various poaching charges and skipping bail.

Meanwhile, in South Africa the Private Rhino Owners Association praised the Hawks for their role in the arrest of suspected poaching kingpin Dawie Groenewald and 10 others who appeared in the Musina court last week.

The suspects face almost 2 000 charges, including money laundering, fraud, racketeering and the illegal trade of rhino horns.

The association's Pelham Jones said the charges reflect the depth of police work.

“We are very, very appreciative of the level of investigation that has gone into this particular case,” he added.

Groenewald's case was postponed to April 2012.

[Bundu Ric]

Truly a sad but such a reality on multiple levels of our country and society at this point in time.

[marthinus]

A sad day indeed. :(

[Lian]

i can only imagine the frustration the farmer must have been going through, not being able to do anything to save his passion.
really sad.