Six Suspects in R250 Million Rhino Horn Trafficking Syndicate Granted Bail

A high-profile case involving six people accused of running a multi-million-rand rhino horn trafficking syndicate has rocked South Africa’s conservation and legal sectors. The accused, who include a former rhino breeder, a lawyer, and a non-profit director, were all granted bail by the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court this week.

Who Are the Accused?

The group facing charges reads like a mix of professionals from different walks of life:

John Frederick Hume (83): Former founder and owner of the Platinum Rhino Conservation Enterprise. Clive John Mervan Melville (63): Transport Maintenance Manager. Izak Hermanus Du Toit (50): Practicing attorney. Elizabeth Catharina Van Niekerk (58): Non-profit organisation director. Mattheus Hendrikus Wessels Poggenpoel (37): Insurance broker and part-time farmer. Johannes Abraham Hennop (52): Game reserve manager.

The Allegations

Between 2017 and 2024, investigators allege the six masterminded an international trafficking operation. Using legally obtained permits meant for local trade, the syndicate is accused of secretly diverting rhino horns to black markets in Southeast Asia.

Authorities estimate that the scheme involved 964 rhino horns, with a staggering street value of about R250 million.

The Charges

The accused face a long list of charges, including:

Racketeering Fraud Money laundering Theft Violations of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMBA) Violations of the Riotous Assemblies Act

In total, they are collectively facing 55 charges.

Bail Details

Despite the serious charges, the court granted bail on the following terms:

Hume: R100 000 Melville & Van Niekerk: R10 000 each Du Toit, Poggenpoel & Hennop: R20 000 each

All six must surrender their passports, report weekly to their nearest police station, and avoid interfering with witnesses or evidence.

Past Convictions Revealed

During bail proceedings, it emerged that two of the accused had prior convictions related to rhino horn possession:

Melville admitted to a 2019 conviction for fraud and possession of rhino horns. Poggenpoel disclosed a 2009 conviction for possession of a rhino horn and revealed he is facing a pending case involving illegal ammunition storage and scheduled medicine without a permit.

What Happens Next?

The matter has been postponed to 9 December 2025 in Court 16 for further investigation.

This case is one of the largest rhino horn trafficking scandals in recent years, raising serious concerns about corruption, loopholes in wildlife trade permits, and the ongoing threat to South Africa’s rhino population.