Just got this update from South Africa. ~ Alan

From Courtroom to Conservation: Botswana Rewards Notorious Poacher With Hunting Quota

Poacher Gets the Green Light: Botswana Awards Hunting Quota to the "Butcher of Musina"

In what can only be described as a masterclass in cognitive dissonance, Botswana has reportedly granted a lucrative trophy hunting quota to, most likely, Out of Africa Adventurous Safaris/Valinor Trading CC, a company co-owned by none other than Dawie Groenewald, the infamous wildlife criminal facing more charges than a malfunctioning credit card reader.

Yes, that Dawie Groenewald. The one who allegedly orchestrated the slaughter of more than 100 rhinos, many of them tranquilized and butchered alive for their horns. The same man dubbed the "Butcher of Musina", currently out on bail in South Africa, and wanted by U.S. authorities for violations of the Lacey Act, money laundering, and conspiracy to smuggle rhino horn.

But don’t worry - he’s now helping manage wildlife conservation. Apparently, decimating endangered species is the new qualification for protecting them.

And just in case you were hoping this was some rogue clerical mishap, it wasn’t. The quota was formally approved by Botswana’s District Commissioner, who, one assumes, either hasn’t Googled “Dawie Groenewald” since 2008 or is attempting to redefine “turning a blind eye” as a competitive sport.
One really has to wonder what the official vetting process looked like. Was it:

• ✅ Demonstrated ability to reduce rhino populations without paperwork?
• ✅ Familiarity with the inside of a courtroom?
• ✅ Extensive experience in undermining international wildlife law?

It’s almost poetic. A man who faces over 70 charges, including racketeering, money laundering, fraud, illegal possession and hunting of wildlife, and yes, being the kingpin of a rhino poaching syndicate, is now legally authorized to help decide which animals get shot. This isn’t a conservation strategy, it’s a satirical screenplay disguised as policy.

It’s absolutely insane.

Conservationists and wildlife organizations have raised the alarm but unfortunately, those red flags seem to have been mistaken for festive bunting at the District Commissioner’s office. One might argue that entrusting Groenewald with hunting rights is like appointing a convicted arsonist as the town fire chief!

A bold move, to be sure, but perhaps not entirely in line with the mission.

Government officials have assured the public that all was done “by the book.” The only question is: which book? Cheque book?
Was it "How to Undermine Conservation in Three Easy Steps"?
Or perhaps "The Art of Pretending Ethics Are Optional"?

At this point, it's hard to say whether we’re witnessing a farce, a tragedy, or a wildlife documentary directed by Kafka. But for the animals now facing legal crosshairs thanks to this quota…it’s not fiction. It’s the grim new reality.

And to all the hard-working conservationists out there: you’ve been doing it wrong. Turns out, to get ahead in African wildlife management, it helps to have a rap sheet longer than a giraffe’s neck.

And if you’re still scratching your head, wondering how a man with this kind of criminal baggage keeps landing on his feet, remember: Groenewald may be a fugitive from the law, but he’s no stranger to the economy of influence. He’s not just good at tracking animals, he’s even better at sniffing out the kinds of people who’ll cash a check before asking questions. After all, it takes more than one bad actor to keep a criminal empire running this long.
The real trick isn’t just paying people to look the other way; it’s doing business with those who never needed convincing.
In Groenewald’s world, that’s apparently called “business.” In any other, we’d call it exactly what it is... corruption.

Summary:

Dawie Groenewald, co-owner of Out of Africa Adventurous Safaris, began marketing trophy hunts to American clients in the 1990s alongside his brother Janneman, who ran U.S. operations from Alabama. The company offered hunts in Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. In 2005, Zimbabwe banned Groenewald for operating illegal safaris on land seized from white farmers, with a government minister describing his outfit as "cruel" and environmentally abusive.

Despite the ban, Groenewald allegedly continued operating in Zimbabwe under a different name. In 2006, he was suspended from the South African Professional Hunters Association due to poaching allegations. From 2005–2010, U.S. clients were charged up to $15,000 for illegal rhino hunts. Groenewald was arrested in the U.S. in 2010 and later convicted under the Lacey Act for illegally importing a leopard trophy, paying $37,500 in fines and restitution.

In 2010, South African authorities charged him and associates with 1,872 counts related to poaching, illegal wildlife trade, racketeering, and fraud—the largest wildlife crime case in the country’s history. Investigators discovered a mass grave of dehorned rhinos on his property. The U.S. indicted him and his brother in 2014 for selling illegal hunts to Americans and laundering proceeds through U.S. banks. Interpol later arrested him, but he remains on bail as South Africa has yet to prosecute his original charges.

Despite all this, Groenewald has continued to operate as a professional hunter and has even received new permits to hunt protected species. In 2021, he was arrested again—while still out on bail—for illegal possession of 19 rhino horns. That case, like many others, remains delayed.

I was just in the RSA . I heard about this . I also heard the trial was moving forward. A new minister or something was appointed.

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
I was just in the RSA . I heard about this . I also heard the trial was moving forward. A new minister or something was appointed.

Ain’t going to happen.

We have heard this sort of thing for years.

Nothing ever happened.

This whole court case is a steaming pile of shit that has been going on for about 15 years now with no end in sight. New minister same as old ministers, just looking for another bribe.

Talking to a friend, retired from the SAS, he said there is only one to deal with people like this!

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
Talking to a friend, retired from the SAS, he said there is only one to deal with people like this!

Forget SAS one would get satisfying results from the Sicilian clans.

Nothing $10,000 won’t do!

Probably a lot less in Africa.

Dawie has his own Wikipedia page

Here is the final section, which sums up the current situation.

Trial delays and continued hunting

Groenewald and his co-defendants have not yet been brought to trial for the more than 1,800 charges brought against them in 2010. After numerous delays, in March 2024, the National Prosecuting Authority in Limpopo scheduled the trial to be held in October and November 2024.[56] That October, the court announced the case would be delayed once again.

The court reported that Groenewald and his co-defendants are scheduled to stand trial in the Limpopo High Court on February 9, 2026. The charges involve illegally hunting rhinos, dealing in rhino horn, racketeering, and money laundering.[14] Should the trial take place, it will be nearly 16 years since the group's original arrest.

In July 2025, animal rights NGOs and community members from Tobere, Kaputura, and Kycia villages in Botswana called for answers after Groenewald and his company were announced as beneficiaries of a hunting quota by the Tcheku Community Trust. Advocates said the provision of hunting privileges to an individual currently awaiting trial for wildlife trafficking charges called into question the governance of the Tcheku Community Trust.[57]

Same bullshit, different day.