Army could be called in to stop rhino poaching: premier

The SA National Defence Force could be called in to help prevent rhino poaching in the North West, Premier Thandi Modise said on Monday.

"The cruelty and brutality against the rhino, as symbol of our ecology and rich heritage, has gone too far," she said in a statement.

"...Recent incidents dictate for extraordinary measures to protect our tourism and biodiversity."

Modise was reacting to the poaching of seven rhinos at the Klipkopspruit Farm near Rustenburg on Friday.

The Hawks confirmed on Monday that another rhino was poached at the weekend, but could not immediately provide details.

Modise said that there was also a need to clamp down on illegally issued hunting permits.

Communities in the proximity of gameparks and farms also need to be educated and actively involved in nature conservation, tourism and anti-poaching strategies.

More than 549 rhinos have been poached this year. In 2011 the figure was 448, and 333 in 2010.