Issued by SANPARKS: 13th October 2012    http://www.sanparks.org/about/news/default.php?id=55344

The Kruger National Park (KNP) in partnership with Malamulele Pastors Fraternal, held a church service to pray for rhino poaching today (Saturday, 13 October 2012). Different church denominations from the neighbouring communities in the northern part of the park assembled at Shingwedzi Soccer Field to declare war against rhino poachers.
Prayers for poachers, master minds (king pins) and KNP workers were conducted. The purpose of this event was to join hands with Christians and unite against the scourge of rhinos.
Addressing the congregation Mr William Mabasa; Head of Department: Public Relations and Communication; KNP, expressed his gratitude to all the Christians for having realised the importance of working together in fighting the scourge of rhinos. “We came here to ask God to intervene in this war that our country is currently facing. There is no doubt that indeed rhinos are under siege, but if we have God nothing is impossible” commented Mabasa.
This event was the first of its kind, where Christians came together in support of the KNP to declare a war against rhino poachers.” We believe that if community structures stand up to fight rhino poaching, eventually poachers will be isolated. We appreciate the religious support because it brings about the power of God in the fight against rhino poaching” said Mabasa.

Furthermore, he indicated that the KNP management is doing everything in its abilities to empower rangers and ensure that they have all the necessary skills and equipments required to patrol for 24 hours everyday. “We even go as far as training our rangers to become pilots. However, there is still a need for extra power and that could only come from God”.
KNP is known for its wildlife and it is this reason that we (KNP & Communities) must take care of these animals for our future generations” Concluded Mabasa.
Since the beginning of 2012, 271 rhinos have been lost and 54 poachers have been arrested in Kruger alone.
Enquiries:
William Mabasa
HOD: Public Relations and Communication
Kruger National Park
Tel: 013 735 4363, cell: 082 807 3919 email: william.mabasa@sanparks.org