Well-known nature conservationist John Hume, 83, is among six people accused of running a rhino horn smuggling syndicate.

The accused, Hume, Clive Melville, Izak Du Toit, Elizabeth van Niekerk, Mattheus Poggenpoel, and Johannes Hennop appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, Hume was granted R100,000 bail.

“Melville and van Niekerk were each granted R10,000 bail while du Toit, Poggenpoel and Hennop were granted R20,000 bail,” said NPA spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana.

Mahanjana explained that the six face 55 charges for racketeering, fraud, contravention of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NAMBA), contravention of Riotous Assemblies Act, theft and money laundering.

She said between 2017 and 2024, the accused allegedly 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 Southeast Asia. The fraudulent scheme is estimated to involve 964 rhino horns valued at R250 million,” Mahanjana stated.

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, 2025, where they were formally arrested.

Mahanjana said during bail proceedings, the accused asked to be released on bail because they were not flight risks.

“They further stated that they had cooperated with the police investigations. Through their affidavits, Melville disclosed to the court that he had 2019 previous conviction for fraud and being in possession and transportation of rhino horns which he was sentenced to pay a fine,” she said.

Poggenpoel also disclosed to the court that he had a 2009 previous conviction of possession of a rhino horn where he paid an admission of guilt fee of R2500.

“Poggenpoel also disclosed that he has a pending case that will be appearing on September 17 at Winburg Magistrates’ Court because during the visit to his residence, the investigation team found ammunition that was not locked away in a safe and supposedly scheduled medicine without a permit,” the NPA said.

“The state, Advocate Patsy Jacobs read into the record an affidavit by the investigating officer Edward Du Plessis, confirming that the State did not oppose bail as the accused were not flight risks, their addresses had been verified, and they had cooperated with investigators. The State, however, requested bail conditions,” Mahanjana said.

Bail conditions

• All accused must surrender 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 offences while on bail.

The matter was postponed to December 9 for further investigations.

seanne.rall@iol.co.za

IOL

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