Discussions are taking place to discuss ways to stem the growth rhino poaching. Almost 300 of these majestic creatures have been killed so far this year.

The arrests which have taken place are linked to syndicates in Vietnam.

Since January this year, 279 animals have been killed for their horns in parks around the country, according to figures by the National Parks authorities.

Poaching wiped out 333 rhinos last year in South Africa, up from 13 in 2007.

The army was deployed in the Kruger National Park in April to help fight poachers.

This year alone 169 rhinos have been killed in the park.

Last month two Vietnamese men, Duc Manh Chu and Phi Hung Nguyeng were jailed for 10 and eight years respectively after they were found with rhino horns in their luggage at Johannesburg's airport.