MASTERMIND OF RHINO HORN TRAFFICKING SENTENCED TO A FINE OF R2 MILLION OR SERVE 4 YEARS IMPRISONMENT.

The State finalised its case against Dawie Groenewald and Tielman Erasmus during 17 to 19 June 2026 in the Polokwane High Court. Groenewald and Erasmus were represented by Mr. Thomas Grobler, assisted by Mr. Johann Winnertz. Groenewald is regarded as the mastermind behind a large-scale rhino horn trafficking enterprise finally entered into a plea agreement with the State in this matter ending the pending legal saga of more than a decade regarding allegations of trafficking rhino horns, racketeering and money laundering.

Groenewald was sentenced to a fine of R2 million or four years imprisonment, and a further 10 years imprisonment suspended for 5 years, with strict conditions on the main count of managing an enterprise (Contravention of Section 2(1)(f) of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998.

Groenewald was further sentenced to high value fines and imprisonment on each of the other offences he was convicted on. The fines add up to more than R10 million and 36 years imprisonment. The sentences effectively restricted Groenewald for the next 5 years to act strictly in accordance with legislation relating to his rhino-related activities and or other restricted wildlife activities, or face a lengthy prison sentence if he does not comply with the strict conditions contained in the sentences imposed in terms of the plea and sentence agreement.

The charges against Groenewald stem from a well-designed rhino horn trafficking enterprise emanating from incidents as far back as 2008. According to the indictment, Groenewald, in his capacity as manager of a professional hunting outfitter “Out of Africa” and by employing professional hunters and other individuals, managed the sourcing of rhino horns from his own rhinos and from other private rhino owners to fuel the black market in Southeast Asia.

The State agreed to the plea arrangement after considering all options in the interest of justice. A very important consideration was that no rhinos were poached by any of the accused.

The case against Karel Toet, his wife Marisa Toet and Koos Pronk was remanded to 20 August 2026 for the outcome of representations to the National Director of Public Prosecutions.

The National Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Andy Mothibi and Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Ivy Thenga are satisfied with the outcome of the matter as it ensures that justice has been served even after decades of long legal sagas. Adv Thenga commended the good work done by Adv Roux and Adv Jacobs.

Issued by:

Mashudu Malabi

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Limpopo Division