It was announced by  Environment Minister Buyelwa Sonjica that a new special investigations team is to be set up to tackling the increasing problem of rhino poaching and other major environmental crimes. This decision was made in KwaZulu-Natal between Sonjica, national deputy minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi and Environment MECs from some of the nine provinces mainly due to the slaughter of at least 84 rhino’s since January and counting.

Sonjica did not disclose any details on the budget, size and composition of the proposed unit, but said its purpose would be to deal will all high-profile and organised conservation and environmental crimes.

It is hoped that the new unit will take over from the Endangered Species Protection Unit which was based in the main Skukuza camp in Kruger National Park. It had an important role in wildlife crime investigation nationwide but was shut down several years ago by the SA Police Service.