Government will start targeting foreigners who come to South Africa for rhino trophy hunting, Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa said on Wednesday.

Plans to build a new development and two world-class hotels inside the Kruger National Park is now threatening one of South Africa’s most pristine locations. A pressure group called AIKONA (Against Interference in Kruger & other National Assets) was created by some members of the public and a concerned conservationist who are up in arms.

Rhino poaching is not being resolved, in fact it is escalating apace this year and now the inside jobs are becoming clear. It seems there are some of those who are paid to protect these ancient creatures that are in fact part of the poaching network. Are we fighting a losing battle here?

The police have busted a 40 year old man in Pretoria North on Tuesday after 3 rhino horns were found in his possession. No further arrests have yet been made in connection with the 11 de-horned rhino carcasses which were found in the Kruger National Park last week.

Last year 448 rhino deaths were recorded in South Africa – it was the highest number ever. With rhino poaching figures on the rise, will 2012 prove to deliver even higher digits?

Two weeks into the New Year and already 11 rhinos have been found dead and dehorned in the Kruger National Park (KNP).