Second Rhino in One Week Murdered in KwaZulu-Natal
The slaughter of a white rhino named Heide from Thula Thula private game reserve brings the year’s total in KZN to 17. Just two days ago, another white rhino was killed at the Intaba Ingwe game ranch nearby.
Efforts to keep Heide safe from poachers were simply not enough. According to The Witness, the young rhino had even been assigned a tracker in hopes of keeping her safe from poachers.
Sadly, she vanished and her carcass was found yesterday, with her horn hacked out of her face.
Operators of Thula Thula Lawrence Anthony and Francoise Malby-Anthony said in the article that only two white rhino remain on their reserve. Heide was born on Thula Thula seven years ago.
The recent slaughter of rhinos in the province is being investigated by members of the police Organised Crime Units. They noted that the case appears similar to others in Opathe and Mfozolo.
Experts agree that the rising affluence in China is directly related to what can only be described as an organized, deliberate mass slaughter of rhinos. Evidence is emerging that poaching cartels are fulfilling “orders” for rhino horn (and elephant ivory) at the request of Chinese nationals - who reportedly pay a fee to smuggle the horns from Africa to Asia.
