A senior manager working for Environmental Crime Investigations (ECI) at Groenkloof in Pretoria, was killed by a hippopotamus on Saturday. Kobus de Wet was attacked and killed by the hippo while camping in the Kruger National Park, South African National Parks (SANParks) spokesperson Isaac Phaahla said. “Details are sketchy at this stage and circumstances around the......
Read moreJohannesburg – The Eastern Cape High Court sitting in Makhanda imposed heavy prison sentences on six Zimbabwean nationals in what game reserve owners in the Eastern Cape have called a major breakthrough in the war against rhino poaching syndicates. The men, Francis Chitiyo, 35, Trymore Chauke, 29, Misheck Chauke, 27, Simba Masinge, 27, Nhamo Muyambo,......
Read moreCape Town – The Skukuza Regional Court convicted and sentenced three men to hefty sentences, totalling over 100 years, for poaching-related offences. Zwelithini Mathebula 37, and Lucky Mhlongo 39, were sentenced to 34 years’ imprisonment while their co-accused Teddy Dlamini 37, was sentenced to 39 years’ imprisonment. NPA regional spokesperson Monica Nyuswa, said that the......
Read moreChief Clyde Mnisi was expected to appear in the Mpumalanga High Court in April to face charges relating to rhino poaching. He was shot and killed on Sunday night, March 26. Chief Clyde Mnisi (37) from Bohlabela in the Ehlanzeni District was fatally shot, allegedly multiple times, next to the KMI Airport road near White......
Read morePretoria – Mpumalanga provincial head of the Hawks, Major General Nico Gerber has welcomed the arrest of the 14th accused person, 24-year-old Nkateko Maluleke who was wanted in a case of money laundering, where field rangers allegedly provided tactical information to rhino poachers in the Kruger National Park. Maluleke was not present during the arrest......
Read moreTwenty-four rhino carcasses were found at various nature reserves and parks in South Africa since 1 December, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment confirmed on Tuesday. The department said seven carcasses were found in Mpumalanga, seven in the Kruger National Park, six were discovered in KwaZulu-Natal and four in the Western Cape. “The......
Read moreRenowned and well-respected South African wildlife veterinarian Dr Dave Cooper has taken to social media to share his exasperation with the country’s rampant rhino poaching – and to call the government and resident South Africans to arms. Cooper is involved in various organisations, including Rhinos Without Borders, African Wildlife Vets (which he co-founded) and he......
Read moreDespite back-breaking work from a dedicated and passionate SANParks team, Kruger National Park rhino populations have continued to plummet – as per the latest population count from 2020. Recently published research estimates that there are about 2,607 white rhinos remaining in the Kruger National Park, while black rhinos are estimated to number just 202. This......
Read moreThe Kruger National Park has a major rhino-poaching crisis, but that’s just one of many mounting problems — and it’s extremely worrying. Crags of ancient rock and twisting rivers, 1,000-year-old trees and a rug of bushveld the size of Israel… it’s been part of South Africa’s DNA for generations. And a way of life. Load......
Read moreThe long-awaited trial of a star wildlife ranger on poaching-related charges illustrates the extent of criminal syndicates’ reach in Kruger National Park. Kruger National Park, South AfricaA sweet mix of coffee and rooibos tea wafts a familiar comfort into the aircraft hangar at the headquarters of Kruger National Park, in Skukuza, South Africa. A languid......
Read more"There is a quote by Albert Einstein which says, “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing”. Since its inception in 2010, Stop Rhino Poaching and Elise have certainly not sat back and done nothing! I have been fortunate to be involved with Elise since 2012 and am always taken aback by her commitment, dedication and passion not only for Rhino conservation and protection but for the people entrusted with this responsibility. Elise has stayed true to her motto of Trust, Collaboration and Impact and forged relationships between different Rhino Mangers, Section Rangers and Field Rangers on the ground and in doing so has brought us all together – sharing ideas and all working towards a common goal. By carefully understanding and listening to the needs of the Rangers at the forefront of Rhino poaching, Elise has channelled her support and funding to where it is needed most and makes a difference and perhaps more importantly, looking at sustainable ways to support Rhino and Rangers long into the future."
"SRP is one of the most effective,organized and well balanced NGOs I ever interacted or worked with! Keep up the good work! "
"I was introduced to anti-poaching K9's through Elise from SRP about 10 years ago. At that time Elise told me that my K9 working career will never be the same again. With the support and exposure I received from Elise through SRP I am privileged to have trained a high number of K9's for different people in Africa. I have met amazing people on the frontlines and visit astonishing places. Through SRP I am not only living my calling and passion but also giving back to rhinos, wildlife and communities. "
"The most refreshing aspect of SRP support is the pragmatic manner in which problems are tackled and solutions are found. There is always a genuine desire to make a difference however big or small that may be. SRP further, goes to a lot of effort to understand the issues that really count to the men and women on the ground, and at the coalface of rhino protection and conservation. We have found SRP to be of high integrity and a great team player with huge commitment, not only to the rhinos but very importantly to the people who are responsible for protecting and managing Southern Africa’s rhinos. "
"I met this blonde lady with heavy energy, like in next level energy. Her passion and drive is overwhelming, it spikes a different kind of emotion in me, we CAN do this. Needless to say, 11 years down the line, I am still very fortunate to call this lady my friend, Elise Serfontein. Her passion for not only persevering, but health, morale, stability and much more amongst rangers on the ground has made her the iron lady of the decade. You only know the true value of a person if you know where the heart is, SRP is one massive rhino heart. Without their dedication, out of the box forward thinking, new technology implementation, that special bond that they build with the reserve and you as person, much would not have been possible. A very challenging time lays ahead of us, we must be realistic. But with friends and true passionate rhino and ranger conservationist like SRP, we are willing to take the leap with them and explore the next move. We'll done SRP and Elise, we salute you. "