In a shocking discovery, South African authorities raided Harmony reserve in the Limpopo Province, uncovering a gruesome scene resembling a ‘slaughterhouse.’
The raid led to the arrest of American rhino trade activist Derek Lewitton, 53, as 26 dead rhinos were found decaying at his ranch. Additionally, 10 illegal horns were seized from a safe on the property.
The police operation, conducted by ‘The Hawks’ unit, involved helicopters and over a dozen vehicles responding to a tip about illegal weapons and rhino horns at the location.
Derek Lewitton, a multimillionaire with a controversial stance on legalizing rhino horn sales, is currently in custody.
Lewitton, a former US resident turned conservationist, purchased a private ranch in South Africa in 2016, focusing on breeding endangered black rhinos. His belief that selling rhino horns ethically could deter poaching was overshadowed by the recent raid, revealing 26 unreported rhino carcasses after 16 hours of evidence collection.
Charges against Lewitton include violations of the Firearms Act, the National Biodiversity Act of 2004, and the Nemba Act, relating to restricted activities with rhino horn specimens. Limpopo Police Spokesman Brigadier Hulani Mashaba confirmed the discovery, stating, “Some 26 unreported rhino carcasses were found on the property along with 10 rhino horns in the farmhouse safe.”
The raid also uncovered seven unlawfully acquired firearms and confiscated hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
Major-General Jan Scheepers described the ranch from the helicopter as a “slaughterhouse,” with rhinos scattered, some shot dead, and others perishing from undisclosed causes. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances of their deaths.
Magistrates have denied bail to Lewitton until a hearing scheduled for January 3, raising questions about the conservationist’s practices.
With approximatel half of South Africa’s rhino population living on private reserves, the incident highlights the challenges faced by conservationists and the ongoing debate around legalizing rhino horn trade. Lewitton, previously advocating for ethical trade, is now facing severe legal consequences as authorities seek to unravel the circumstances behind the rhinos’ tragic fate.
Adapted from: https://metro.co.uk/
