Alleged rhino poachers due in court

2010-09-22 09:31

Johannesburg - Nine people, including two veterinarians, were expected to appear in the Musina Magistrate's Court on Wednesday on charges related to rhino poaching.

The police on Monday pounced on the two veterinarians, who are said to be well-known in the town of Modimolle, and owned an animal clinic and a wildlife organisation involved in catching and transporting game.

The nine arrested included the spouse of one of the veterinarians and a game farmer and his wife.

Police spokesperson Vishnu Naidoo said the veterinarians were believed to be the masterminds behind a rhino poaching syndicate.

Disappointing

The Professional Hunters' Association of South Africa (PHASA) said it was hugely disappointing that professional people who held trusted positions in society, could be involved in such a crime.

"PHASA will support any motion to oppose bail given to these people. The mere R2 000 bail that was recently awarded in another case, is a crime by itself," said Adri Kitshoff, PHASA's chief executive officer.

The SA Veterinary Council said that any veterinarian found guilty of disgracing the profession through improper conduct may be barred from practising.

"The council may impose, if a person is found guilty of disgraceful, improper or unprofessional conduct... (punishment ranging) from a reprimand to the withdrawal of registration to practice as a veterinarian," it said in a statement.

More than 200 rhinos have been killed for their horns since the beginning of this year - up from a total of 122 poached last year.


- SAPA