'Strong leads' in hunt for poachers 

The scourge of rhino poaching continues to plague the country's game reserves.

Wildlife officials in KwaZulu-Natal have revealed that three animals, including a black rhino, have been killed in the province recently.

The carcasses were found in the Mkuze and Ndumo reserves in northern KZN in the past few weeks.  

Ezemvelo's Jabulani Ngubane says all three animals were de-horned.   

He says authorities are following strong leads to track down the alleged poachers.  

Ngubane says rhinos have an important role to play in the country's national heritage.

"Rhinos [are] a symbol and icon of hope in this country; in terms of helping us as a draw-card in terms of tourism [and] contributing to the GDP of the country," he said.  

Ngubane has added they remain committed to the protection of the rhino. He says rangers are on duty 24 hours a day patrolling the parks.