South Africa: New operation to nab rhino poachers

Johannesburg - The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) is co-ordinating an operation to curb recent rhino poaching in the Kruger National Park, the organisation said on Wednesday.

"Rhino poachers, who are very well armed with heavy calibre weapons, will meet their match when encountering and daring to fire upon the joint capacity of the police, the South African National Defence Force and South African National Parks," said Natjoints spokesperson Brigadier Sally de Beer.

The operation began on May 30.

On Friday, two alleged poachers were arrested in the park after two white rhino were killed and their horns removed.

The two would face charges of illegal hunting, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, theft, trespassing, attempted murder and contravention of the Immigration Act.

"We will also fight bail applications and lobby for stringent sentences against these criminals."

Natjoints, a structure mandated by Cabinet to co-ordinate major events and cross-cutting joint operations, was involved in security for the recent local elections and the FIFA 2010 World Cup.

- SAPA