The South African Police Service (SAPS) reports that Lewitton was taken into custody alongside two other individuals who were recognized as his workers.
During the operation, the SAPS reported that they had taken control of a vehicle, a gun, ammo, and twelve rhino horns.
Additionally, they claimed to have discovered proof of a covert lab where the horns were prepared for export.
On December 18, 2023, Lewitton and his accomplice made an appearance at the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court, where they were accused of violating the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA).
Without permission, it is illegal to import, export, or even own rhino horns. They were also accused of possessing a gun and ammo illegally.
They were remanded in custody until their next appearance on January 15, 2024, after the court granted them bail.
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Advocate Thabo Mokoena, Lewitton’s attorney, asserted that his client was innocent and that he possessed all the required licenses to keep and dehorn rhinos on his reserve.
He said that anti-trade groups had launched a smear campaign against Lewiston in an attempt to undermine his efforts to protect rhinos.
Additionally, he stated that Lewitton had been assisting the authorities and had voluntarily given the SAPS the horns from the deceased rhinos so they could conduct DNA testing.
