South Africa's government has lost its bid to overturn a court ruling that could allow the export of legally harvested rhino horn. A private conservationist, Wicus Diedericks, owner of a game reserve in the Northern Cape province, sued the government to authorize the export of over 500 white rhino horns. In 2025, the Northern Cape High Court ruled in his favor, stating that horn from captive-bred white rhinos for conservation could qualify for export certificates. The same court dismissed the government's application for leave to appeal this judgment on Friday. Diedericks stated this decision validates the rights of private conservationists to fund their protection efforts, potentially saving the species and funding conservation. The environment department indicated that Minister David Maynier is considering the judgment and will decide on a further appeal. Trade in rhino horn has been globally banned since 1977 under CITES. While supporters argue the ban protects wild rhino populations, advocates for legal trade believe regulated sales could fund conservation and reduce black-market demand. The British NGO Environmental Investigation Agency called Diedericks' lawsuit a "reckless gambit," fearing it could increase demand and fuel illegal trafficking. South Africa has the world's largest rhino population but is also a poaching hotspot due to demand for rhino horn in Asia.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Citizen.
Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced that the South African government is investigating former President Jacob Zuma's recent visit to India, where he met with Ajay Gupta, who faces corruption charges related to state capture. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation is reviewing the visit and considering a review of Zuma's post-presidency privileges. Ntshavheni stated that privileges extended to former state presidents can be reviewed if they are abused to undermine the laws of the republic. She criticized Zuma's meeting with Gupta, calling it "very disturbing" and an act of "hobnobbing" with a wanted individual. The minister added that Dirco Minister Ronald Lamola requested a report from South African High Commissioner to India Anil Sooklal, who accompanied Zuma, and indicated that "drastic steps would be taken" if wrongdoing is evident. Ntshavheni concluded that Zuma's actions show a disregard for South Africans, especially given the financial losses incurred due to the Gupta brothers' activities.
Eastern Cape police have arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with the murder of ANC ward councillor Sicelo Mleve. Mleve was fatally shot on June 20 at approximately 6:50 PM in his Zwide office in Gqeberha during a post-voter registration debriefing meeting. Two armed suspects reportedly stormed the office, held about 10 people at gunpoint, and demanded their cellphones. One of the suspects shot Mleve multiple times before fleeing. He was declared deceased at the scene. The suspect was apprehended in KwaZakhele by the provincial serious violent crime investigation unit and appeared in the New Brighton Magistrate's Court on charges of murder, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm. The South African Police Service stated that further arrests are possible as the investigation continues. Mleve was a Ward 27 councillor in Nelson Mandela Bay and a member of the ANC Nelson Mandela regional executive committee. Both the ANC Eastern Cape and the South African Communist Party SACP have condemned his killing, with the SACP describing it as part of prevalent political violence and organized crime in the Eastern Cape province.
Allegations of illicit tobacco trading involving Carnilinx are under renewed scrutiny at the Madlanga commission, following alleged admissions made by the company’s CEO, Adriano Mazzotti. The commission resumed hearings on Friday, 3 July 2026. Evidence leader Adila Hassim introduced a “voluntary submission” from Mazzotti, received the previous evening. In his letter, Mazzotti objected to claims by commission investigator Tshepo Nyatlo, arguing they damaged Carnilinx’s business, reputation, and commercial standing. He maintained that Carnilinx operates legally under a South African Revenue Service Sars license and dismissed Nyatlo’s claims as based on media reports and “historical regulatory matters.” Central to the dispute is a May 2014 affidavit Mazzotti submitted to Sars, presented by Hassim. Mazzotti explained this affidavit was intended to disclose past tax compliance issues and regularize Carnilinx’s tax affairs. He stated that details purportedly from his affidavit were leaked to the media and questioned their authenticity and completeness. Mazzotti rejected suggestions that the affidavit proves Carnilinx’s unlawful conduct or involvement in organized crime, and denied allegations in Nyatlo’s submission, arguing that historical regulatory matters and unresolved tax disputes should not be conflated with present-day criminality. Hassim, however, emphasized that the commission’s focus extends beyond Carnilinx to individuals linked to it, including director Mohammed ‘Mo’ Sa