Pretoria – After a seven-year investigation, South Africa’s elite crime busters, the Hawks, have dismantled a major multi-million rand transnational rhino horn trafficking network by arresting six suspects.
The syndicate was linked to a fraudulent scheme involving 964 rhino horns, worth millions of rand, destined for illegal markets in Southeast Asia.
Investigations reveal that the suspects allegedly defrauded the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) by securing permits under false pretences to buy and sell rhino horns domestically, while funnelling them into illegal international markets.
Under South African law, domestic trade is permitted with valid DFFE-issued permits in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) of 2004.
International commercial trade in rhino horn is banned under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
The six suspects, five men and one woman, between the ages of 49 and 84, surrendered to the Hawks at Sunnyside Police Station.
The suspects face charges of fraud, theft, and contravention of NEMBA, with additional charges of racketeering and money laundering under consideration.
Aged between 49 and 64, the fraud accused appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court Today, Tuesday, 19 August 2025.
The accused were named as John Hume, Clive Melville, Izak du Toit, Cathrina van Niekerk, Matheus Poggenpoel, and Johannes Hennop.
Commenting on the matter, Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Dr. Dion George, hailed the Wildlife Trafficking Section of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit (Hawks) for the arrests.
Minister George said the arrests were a “decisive victory” in South Africa’s fight 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,” said Minister George.
“The Hawks’ work shows that 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.”
