The arrest of more suspects and discovery of rifles used in rhino poaching is a breakthrough that signals the determination of law enforcement agencies to clamp down on the scourge of rhino poaching, North West Premier Thandi Modise said on Friday.

In commending the effort of the rhino task team from the police special investigative unit, the Hawks for the arrest of three suspects in central Pretoria, Katlehong and Alberton in Gauteng on Thursday night, Premier Modise reiterated her call for the police not to leave any stone unturned.

 “The onslaught against those involved in the cruelty and brutality against the rhino as a symbol of our ecology and rich heritage has to be intensified for syndicates

  involved in the evil trade to face the full might of the law” emphasised the Premier.

The latest arrests follow the arrest of three suspects in Lethabong township outside Brits among whom was a game ranger bringing to six the number of those police are 

 linking to the poaching of eight rhinos in Klipkopspruit farm over the past weekend. Seven rhinos were found dead and another one was found on Monday.

Modise had earlier this week said that the provincial government is considering requesting the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to assist it to overcome the scourge of rhino poaching,

She had also said that there is a need to clamp down on issuing of illegal hunting permits as part of intensifying law enforcement and crime intelligence to overcome the scourge of rhino poaching.

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