Global Conservation Force

World’s Largest Rhino Horn Trafficking Case Ends With Conviction Of Dawie Groenewald

“After nearly two decades of investigations, court battles and delays, professional hunter Dawie Groenewald has been sentenced in a landmark wildlife crime prosecution involving more than 1 700 charges.

The man police describe as the mastermind behind what they say is the world’s largest rhino horn trafficking investigation has been sentenced after a legal battle spanning more than 15 years.

Hunting safari operator Dawie Groenewald was convicted and sentenced in the Polokwane High Court this week after entering into a plea and sentence agreement with the state, bringing to a close one of South Africa’s longest-running wildlife crime prosecutions.

Groenewald, a former police officer, whom the Hawks describe as the mastermind behind a large-scale rhino horn trafficking enterprise, was sentenced on the main racketeering count to a fine of R2 million or four years’ imprisonment, together with a further 10 years’ imprisonment suspended for five years subject to strict conditions.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the sentence extended beyond the headline penalty. Groenewald was also sentenced on other offences to fines and prison terms which, taken together, amount to more than R10 million in fines and 36 years’ imprisonment, although much of the sentence is subject to suspension and concurrency provisions.”

SOURCE:
https://mg.co.za/the-green-guardian/2026-06-19-world-s-largest-rhino-horn-trafficking-case-ends-with-conviction-of-dawie-groenewald/

2 suspected poachers arrested in Kruger National Park

“Men believed to be poachers are expected to appear in the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court after they were found in possession of snares and poison.

A joint law enforcement operation that comprised the Kruger National Park Nxanatseni North Rangers, SANParks Air Services and the Greater Kruger Environment Protection Fund led to the successful arrests.

SANParks spokesperson, JP Louw confirmed that no carcass was discovered in the vicinity, and it is suspected that the suspects were caught before any wildlife was killed. He added that poison is often used to lace carcasses and target predator species.
“Wildlife poisoning remains a huge threat to our biodiversity assets, is a huge threat to our biodiversity assets, as it places species at increasing risk of diminishing their ecological role and extinction,” said SANParks spokesperson, JP Louw.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court soon.”

SOURCE:
https://www.citizen.co.za/network-news/lnn/article/2-suspected-poachers-arrested-in-kruger-national-park/

📸 Mike Veale

GCF K9 Kesa: Preparing for the Next Mission 🐕

Kesa is one of Global Conservation Force’s experienced conservation canines. A veteran working dog, she has spent years supporting wildlife protection efforts in South Africa, including work in Addo Elephant National Park and the Greater Kruger region, assisting with wildlife protection and counter wildlife trafficking operations.

Now back in the US, Kesa is training for her next chapter, supporting conservation research, anti-poaching, and counter wildlife trafficking efforts in Central America alongside national parks and conservation partners.

From urban tracking scenarios and scent detection to mountain peaks, backcountry patrols, and multi-day camping deployments, Kesa continues to train in diverse environments that help keep her skills sharp and mission-ready.

Experienced conservation canines are built through years of training, deployments, and fieldwork. Kesa has already proven herself in the field and is preparing for the challenges ahead.

🐾 Support conservation canines by adopting a GCF K9 and helping fund the training, care, and deployment of working dogs protecting wildlife around the world.

LINK IN BIO |
https://linktr.ee/globalconservationforce