A prominent figure in wildlife conservation, John Hume, recently faced serious allegations of trafficking rhino horns worth $14 million from South Africa to Southeast Asia. The 83-year-old, along with five co-defendants—including a lawyer and a game reserve manager—were taken to court on 55 charges, which prosecutors allege are tied to an international rhino horn smuggling operation that lasted from 2017 to 2024.
Hume firmly denied the accusations, asserting, “I have nothing to hide and have fully cooperated with investigators for years.” He rejected the claims against him, describing them as false and expressed confidence that he would be vindicated when the case unfolds in court. The group stands accused of planning to smuggle more than 960 rhino horns under the pretense of obtaining local permits, while their actual intention was to export the horns to regions where they are coveted for traditional medicinal practices.
Although it is legal to sell rhino horns within South Africa, exporting them remains illegal. At a recent magistrate's court appearance in Pretoria, Hume and his associates were granted bail but did not enter a plea, as is customary during initial hearings in South Africa.
Once the owner of the Platinum Rhino farm, Hume bred approximately 2,000 southern white rhinos before selling the establishment in 2023, citing his inability to sustain its operations anymore. His journey in conservation began in the 1990s after building holiday resorts, making a significant transition to wildlife protection.
As this case unfolds, many within the conservation community are watching closely, concerned about the implications for wildlife protection amid accusations against one of their own.
