The vehicle, obtained through the West Rand Region of SANParks Honorary Rangers sponsorship initiative, was accepted by SANParks CEO, Doctor David Mabunda on Tuesday, 29 May at SANParks head office in Pretoria. The vehicle will be used by the anti-poaching patrol teams in the Kruger National Park.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony, Mabunda said this gesture by Sandown Motor Holdings Group has shown … “your patriotism for our beloved country. Your involvement through this sponsorship signifies a constructive approach in the fight against rhino poaching and is highly gratifying.”

Mabunda said the current rhino poaching statistics for the Kruger National Park (KNP) stand at 137. “It is indeed worrying that we are still losing such a high number of rhinos but the increasing number of successful arrests and steeper sentences imposed on convicted criminals is encouraging.” The KNP has so far arrested 38 suspected poachers. This is not only thanks to the increased cooperation from ordinary members of the public but from corporate South Africa joining the fight against rhino poaching.

Veronica van der Linde, the dealer principal of Chrysler Jeep Dodge (CJD) Constantia Kloof and representative of Sandown Motor Holdings group said “We, as a company have recognised that the protection of the environment is everyone’s responsibility and critical for our existence as human beings.”

She said the poaching and killing of our rhinos is one of those horrible human acts driven mainly by a financial gain. “By sponsoring this vehicle, Sandown Motors is joining the fight against the killing of these animals and we trust that the vehicle with its advanced features and capabilities will be a useful tool for the rangers in their on-going battle with poachers.”

Speaking at the same ceremony Peter Zietsman, chairperson, West Rand Region of SANParks Honorary Rangers said this is yet another important tool to be used in the fight against poaching. “We are elated to be part of the solution as ordinary South Africans in the fight against the scourge of rhino poaching – the bleeding has to stop sooner than later.”