Major South African protectionists have been accused of illegally selling rhino horns. Photo credit: Dylan Marines by Non-Flash
John Hume, a leading and controversial South African conservationist, has been charged with smuggling more than 960 rhino horns worth an estimated $14 million or about 12 million euros. Hume, the former owner of what is considered the world’s largest rhino farm, began breeding rhinos more than 20 years ago.
Hume, 83, appeared in court on a total of 55 claims, including a game reserve manager and a lawyer, along with five other five people, on a total of 55 claims, including money laundering, theft and fraud. Prosecutors argue that the group was part of the rhino horn trafficking network between China and Vietnam, where Southeast Asia, particularly China and Vietnam, where traditional medicine is used in China and Vietnam. In South Africa, it is legal to exchange domestic horns, but exporting them is illegal.
On the black market, rhino horns were able to get a large price. The horn is reportedly worth more than $60,000 or around 51,500 euros per kilogram. This makes it more valuable than gold and is often a gem containing diamonds.
This investigation has been underway for seven years. A rhino farm previously owned by Hume, known as the Platinum Rhinoceros, raised about 2,000 white rhinoceros. Hume cited the farm in 2023 to a parks NGO in Africa, which prevented her from worrying about animals. Additionally, Hume inspired the controversy in 2017 by holding an online auction of Rhino Horns, which surrounded the animals to prevent poachers’ murder.
White rhinoceros at risk by poachers
White rhinoceros are currently classified as close to being threatened as poachers hunt for their horns. In the first three months of 2025, 103 rhinos were killed per day despite poaching between 2023 and 2024 reducing rhino deaths by 15%. Figures reported by the South African government. Currently, South Africa is home to approximately 80% of the world’s total white rhino population.
Despite the looming accusations, Hume denied all allegations and stated that there was nothing to hide. Hume claimed he never acted illegally and was fully cooperating with staff.
