Rhino Poaching: Arrests are being made, but is it enough?

South Africa has made 123 arrests for rhino crimes this year and convicted six people. In 2010, four convictions resulted from 165 arrests. But is it enough to curb the slaughter?
On July 09, 2011 another Thai national was arrested in Edenvale, east of Johannesburg, in a joint operation by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the Hawks and forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan. The 43 year old man, identified as Chumlong Lemtongthai, is believed to be a kingpin in the illicit trade of rhino horns.
According to reports, Lemtongthai had allegedly obtained rhino hunting permits under false pretences in terms of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites). He was arrested after being searched by SARS officials at OR Tambo International Airport when he entered the country on June 13.
According to SARS spokesman Anton Fisher, officials found various documents on the man - including an order for 50 sets of rhino horns, a computer and a cellphone.
A report from the BBC noted that Lemongthai has been remanded in custody and is expected in court on July 15, 2011.
According to a recent release from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), international criminals are financing the poaching of the rhinos in Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The high demand for the rhino horn is driving the illegal trade, which now endangers the species. During the first half of this year, about 200 rhinos were killed in South Africa.
One of the country’s best known game reserves, the Kruger National Park is the worst affected by the poaching, losing 126 rhinos this year and 146 in 2010.