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The Citizen
15 hours ago
- The Citizen
Former rhino conservationist among six accused in horn trafficking
Former rhino conservationist among six accused in horn trafficking Six accused, including the founder of a rhino conservation enterprise, appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court in connection with an international rhino horn trafficking syndicate, reportedly worth R250-million. They were all granted bail and are expected to return to court on December 9. The group is facing 55 charges, which include multiple counts of racketeering, fraud, contravention of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), involving 964 rhino horns, contravention of the Riotous Assemblies Act, theft, and money laundering. The accused are: – John Frederick Hume (83), the founder and former owner of the Platinum Rhino Conservation Enterprise. – Clive John Mervan Melville (63), a transport maintenance manager. – Izak Hermanus du Toit (50), a practising attorney. – Elizabeth Catharina van Niekerk (58), a director of a non-profit organisation. – Mattheus Hendrikus Wessels Poggenpoel (37), an insurance broker and part-time farmer. – Johannes Abraham Hennop (52), a game reserve manager. Bail was set at R100 000 for Hume, R10 000 each for Melville and Van Niekerk, and R20 000 each for Du Toit, Poggenpoel, and Hennop. National Prosecuting Authority's spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that between 2017 and 2024, the accused operated an international rhino horn trafficking syndicate and defrauded the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE). 'They allegedly obtained permits to trade rhino horn locally, while intending to channel the horns into illegal international markets in South-east Asia.' Mahanjana stated that the fraudulent scheme is estimated to have involved 964 rhino horns, valued at R250-million. 'After intensive investigations by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation's (DPCI) Wildlife Trafficking Section of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, based at national headquarters, the six handed themselves over at the Pretoria Central Police Station on August 19, where they were formally arrested.' She explained that during bail proceedings, they all asked to be released on bail because they are not flight risks, and had co-operated with the police investigation. She continued that two of the accused, Melville and Poggenpoel, had stated in affidavits that they had previous convictions for fraud and possession of rhino horn, with both paying fines. Poggenpoel also disclosed that he has a case against him pending in the Winburg Magistrate's court in the Free State, because police allegedly found ammunition that was not properly secured, and for which he did not have a permit. Scheduled medicine was also apparently found during this visit. According to Mahanjana, Advocate Patsy Jacobs read an affidavit by investigating officer Edward du Plessis, saying that the State did not oppose bail as the accused are not flight risks, their addresses had been confirmed, and they had co-operated with investigators. The court granted bail to the six with the following conditions: – All accused must hand over their passports and may not apply for new travel documents while the matter is pending. – They must report to their nearest police station once a week. – They may not interfere with investigations, tamper with evidence or influence witnesses. – They must not commit any further offences while on bail. ALSO READ: Six alleged international rhino horn traffickers to appear in Pretoria court Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Six, including conservationist, granted bail in R250m rhino horn trafficking case
Six people, including a former rhino conservation owner, were granted bail in a R250 million rhino horn trafficking case. Six people, including the former owner of a rhino conservation organisation, appeared in court concerning a massive R250 million international rhino horn trafficking syndicate and have been granted bail. The Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Tuesday granted bail to the six suspects facing 55 charges, including multiple counts of racketeering, fraud, theft, money laundering, and contraventions of both the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) and the Riotous Assemblies Act. Six suspects in a R250m rhino horn trafficking syndicate The accused are former founder and owner of the Platinum Rhino Conservation Enterprise John Frederick Hume, 83; transport maintenance manager Clive John Mervan Melville, 63; practising attorney Izak Hermanus Du Toit, 50; director of a non-profit organisation Elizabeth Catharina Van Niekerk, 58; insurance broker and part-time farmer Mattheus Hendrikus Wessels Poggenpoel, 37; and game reserve manager Johannes Abraham Hennop 52. The court set Hume's bail at R100 000. Melville and Van Niekerk each received bail of R10 000, while Du Toit, Poggenpoel, and Hennop were each granted R2 000 bail. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) allege that between 2017 and 2024, the suspects operated an international rhino horn trafficking syndicate and defrauded the department of forestry, fisheries, and the environment (DEFE). 'They allegedly obtained permits to trade rhino horn locally while intending to channel the horns into illegal international markets in Southeast Asia,' the authorities said. ALSO READ: Three suspected rhino poachers arrested in Paulpietersburg, KZN 'The fraudulent scheme is estimated to involve 964 rhino horns valued at R250 million.' Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Singo explained that in South Africa, citizens may legally buy and sell rhino horns, provided both the buyer and seller apply for permits under the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act of 2004. 'The DFFE is the only one who can authorise the issuing of these permits. These rhino horns, however, may not be exported or sold to non-South African citizens due to an international ban,' Singo said. Suspects handed themselves over to police The suspects handed themselves over to the Pretoria Central Police Station on Tuesday, following investigations by the Hawks' Wildlife Trafficking Section of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit. They were formally charged at the police station. During proceedings, the accused requested bail, arguing they posed no flight risk and had cooperated with police investigations. Melville disclosed to the court that he was previously convicted in 2019 for fraud and being in possession of and transporting rhino horns. The transport maintenance manager was sentenced to pay a fine. ALSO READ: Operation Shanela: Police arrest more than 11,000 suspects in a week Poggenpoel admitted he had a prior conviction in 2009 for possession of rhino horn, for which he paid an admission of guilt fine of R2 500. The broker and farmer also has a pending case that will be heard on 17 September 2025 at Winburg Magistrates' Court because during the visit to his residence, the Hawks investigation team found ammunition that was not locked away in a safe and supposedly scheduled medicine without a permit. The state did not oppose bail, noting that the accused were not flight risks, their addresses had been verified, and they had cooperated with investigators. The state, however, requested bail conditions. Bail granted under strict conditions The court granted bail on condition that the accused surrender their passports, report weekly to police, avoid interference with the case, and commit no further offences. The court postponed the matter to 9 December for further investigations.
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Major rhino horn trafficking network dismantled after seven-year investigation
Police have made significant strides against wildlife crime in South Africa, arresting a major syndicate involved in the trafficking of rhino horns worth millions. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers After a meticulous seven-year investigation, the Wildlife Trafficking Section of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit has successfully dismantled a significant transnational syndicate involved in rhino horn trafficking. This crackdown is linked to a fraudulent scheme that facilitated the illicit handling of 964 rhino horns, collectively valued at millions of rands, which were intended for black markets across Southeast Asia. Authorities have apprehended six suspects, aged between 49 and 84, who now face serious charges including fraud, theft, and violations of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) of 2004. The six individuals, comprised of five men and one woman, surrendered to the Hawks at Sunnyside Police Station and made their first court appearance at the Pretoria Magistrates' Court Image: Supplied In addition to these charges, investigators are also considering racketeering and money laundering allegations against the accused. In a statement celebrating the arrests, South Africa's Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, described the operation as a pivotal triumph in the nation's ongoing battle against international wildlife crime. 'This complex investigation, which was also supported by the Enforcement unit of the Department (the Green Scorpions) and the National Prosecuting Authority, is a powerful demonstration of South Africa's resolve to protect its natural heritage,' declared Minister George. He further emphasised the significance of the Hawks' work, stating, 'Our enforcement agencies will not hesitate to pursue those who plunder our wildlife for criminal profit. The illegal trade in rhino horn not only destroys biodiversity but also undermines the rule of law and the foundations of environmental governance.' The investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly perpetrated a fraud scheme against the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment by obtaining permits under false pretences to engage in the domestic buying and selling of rhino horns. This domestic trade, although permissible under valid DFFE-issued permits following NEMBA, was exploited to funnel rhino horns into illegal international markets. Notably, the international commercial trade of rhino horn is strictly banned under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The six individuals, comprised of five men and one woman, surrendered to the Hawks at Sunnyside Police Station and made their first court appearance at the Pretoria Magistrates' Court on Tuesday. Dr George concluded with a firm warning: 'Let there be no doubt: South Africa will bring the full force of its laws against those who plunder our wildlife. This arrest proves that syndicates cannot escape justice, no matter how complex their schemes.' IOL
The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
Hawks crack down on international rhino horn syndicate in Pretoria
Six members of an alleged international rhino horn trafficking syndicate were arrested in Pretoria on Tuesday, 19 August. The suspects, aged between 49 and 84, handed themselves over to the Hawks' investigative team following a lengthy probe. The investigation, led by members of the Hawks' Wildlife Trafficking Section under the Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, began in 2017. According to police, the inquiry uncovered links between transnational rhino horn trafficking and alleged fraud against the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). The suspects had reportedly applied for permits to trade rhino horn locally. However, they were allegedly destined for illegal international markets in Southeast Asia. 'The identified fraudulent permit scheme accounts for an estimated 964 rhino horns with a value of millions of rands. Further investigation revealed that the DFFE was allegedly defrauded through a well-designed scheme to traffic rhino horns and participate in the international illegal trade,' the report stated. The suspects face charges of fraud, theft, contravening the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) of 2004, and possible racketeering and money laundering. The DFFE is authorised to issue permits for South African citizens to buy and sell rhino horn domestically. However, international trade remains banned, and horns cannot legally be exported or sold to non-South African citizens. The arrests come shortly after a researchers from the University of the Witwatersrand launched an anti-poaching campaign. It will see rhino horns being injected with a radioactive material. The university says the project aims to disrupt the illegal rhino horn trade. These materials can be detected by radiation detection equipment at countries' borders around the world. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
