Story perspectives

Safari Operator Fined R2m in Largest Rhino-Horn Trafficking Case

6/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hunting safari operator Dawie Groenewald was fined 2 million rands after pleading guilty in the world’s largest rhino-horn trafficking case.
Hawks unit reported over 1,700 charges and 11 arrests from the 2010 investigation.
The trial, begun in 2010, lasted 15 years, lost ten of the state’s 185 witnesses.
The International Rhino Foundation said white rhino numbers fell to just over 15,750 by August 2025 while black rhino numbers rose to nearly 6,800.

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Story summary

Hunting safari operator Dawie Groenewald was fined 2 million rands after pleading guilty in the world’s largest rhino-horn trafficking case.
Hawks unit reported over 1,700 charges and 11 arrests from the 2010 investigation.
The trial, begun in 2010, lasted 15 years, lost ten of the state’s 185 witnesses.
The International Rhino Foundation said white rhino numbers fell to just over 15,750 by August 2025 while black rhino numbers rose to nearly 6,800.