By Melody Chironda
U.S. Man Arrested After Police Discover 26 Rhino Carcasses
A controversial figure in the rhino horn trade debate, American national Derek Lewitton, faces charges following a raid at his Limpopo game farm, reports News24. The Hawks uncovered a gruesome scene of 26 unreported rhino carcasses alongside unmarked horns and illegal firearms, leading to Lewitton’s arrest and a massive ongoing investigation. The operation, involving various law enforcement units, was initiated after a tip-off about Lewitton’s possession of illegal firearms and rhino horns. Major-General Jan Scheepers described the scene as a “slaughterhouse” with numerous rhinos found dead. Lewitton faces charges under the Firearms Act and National Biodiversity Act, with a court appearance and custody while investigations continue. The matter was postponed to 3 January 2024 for a formal bail application.
