WWF Concern as Rhino Poaching Case Delayed
WWF charity officials are concerned that a court case against a gang suspected of killing 20 Rhinos in South Africa, has been postponed. 11 people, including suspected kingpin Dawie Groenewald, have seen their case postponed until October 2012 by South African magistrates.
The ‘Groenewald Gang’, as they have become known, recently appeared in Musina Magistrate’s court faced with hundreds of charges, including the illegal trade, fraud and killing of 20 rhinos. They also stand accused of illegal hunting, weapons violations racketeering and money laundering.
The carcasses of 20 rhinos were found buried on Groenewald’s land two years ago, missing their horns. Groenewald operates a safari tour company in South Africa, with the other suspects including veterinarians, professional hunters and a helicopter pilot. Rhino poaching has risen dramatically in South Africa due to the demand for rhino horn in Asia.
Up to 181 rhinos have been killed in South Africa this year so far, with poaching rates expected to exceed the record 448 rhino deaths in 2011.
Head of WWF’s African Rhino Programme, Dr Joseph Okori, said –
A high level of criminal sophistication was required to orchestrate the killing of these rhinos, but this case demonstrates that no one is above the law. The world is watching and waiting for justice to be served.
WWF is working with the South African government to help improve forensics at rhino crime scenes and to also help improve the knowledge of those in charge of prosecuting people for rhino crimes. Let’s hope those that are charged are given the sentences they deserve for these barbaric crimes.
Adopt an Rhino with WWF UK
The WWF is a non profit organisation who can only sustain their tireless work in saving the planet and its inhabitants through donations. You can help raise funds through the WWF Adopt a Rhino scheme.
The Recipient of the Charity Gift Gets –
- beautiful cuddly toy and print of your animal
- gift pack including a greeting card, certificate, facts about the species and tips on a ‘greener’ lifestyle
- Wild World magazine delivered 3 times a year plus regular updates on your chosen animal
