South African authorities have arrested six individuals, including conservationist John Hume, the former owner of the world’s largest rhino farm, in connection with a major rhino horn trafficking operation.
The arrests followed a seven-year investigation led by the Hawks, focusing on transnational rhino horn trafficking. Prosecutors allege the group secured nearly 964 rhino horns—about 15% of the southern white rhino population—through fraudulent permits meant for domestic trade, which were then illegally exported to Southeast Asia.
The arrested individuals, including 83-year-old Hume, transport manager Clive Melville, attorney Izak du Toit, nonprofit director Elizabeth van Niekerk, insurance broker-farmer Mattheus Poggenpoel, and game reserve manager Johannes Hennop, appeared in Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. They face multiple charges, including fraud, theft, racketeering, and money laundering. Hume was granted R100,000 bail, while others received bail ranging from R2,000 to R10,000.
Environment Minister Dion George hailed the arrests as a "decisive victory" in South Africa’s fight against wildlife crime, reinforcing the government's commitment to protecting biodiversity. The case has been postponed for further investigation, with the next court date set for December 9, 2025.
Hume, who sold his 7,800-hectare Platinum Rhino reserve to African Parks in 2023, had previously drawn controversy in 2017 by hosting an online auction for rhino horns, arguing that legal trade could help reduce poaching. Despite the domestic market reopening in 2017, international trade remains banned under CITES. This latest development signals a significant escalation in efforts to combat rhino horn trafficking.
The arrests come amid growing concerns over wildlife crime, with 516 rhinos poached across Africa in 2024, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced anti-trafficking measures.