Schalk Abraham ‘AB’ Steyn and Limpopo game farmer Dawie Groenewald, who face charges of the illegal possession and transportation of rhino horns, appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court today, January 21, for a pre-trial conference.

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The case has been dragging on for the past five years due to continuous postponements by the defence.

Monica Nyuswa, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, confirmed that the matter was postponed again to April 13 for a ruling on the magistrate’s recusal after the defence argued that he was biased.

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Steyn and Groenewald were arrested together on July 20, 2021, at a property in the Riverside area, where 19 rhino horns were allegedly found. They were granted bail of R50 000 each shortly thereafter.