Dr Derek Lewitton, an activist and rhino farmer from Gravelotte in Limpopo who stands accused of possessing 17 rhino horns and is charged with the possession of 16 ‘unlawful’ firearms and ammunition, is out on bail.

Lewitton, who appeared in the Namakgale Magistrate’s Court last week, is the owner of Black Rock Rhino Conservation. A United States citizen, he was arrested on December 22 last year during a raid on the farm Harmony, in Gravelotte.

He is known as a controversial activist supporting the legalisation of trade in rhino horn, claiming on the organisation’s website that ‘this is the most easily stopped extinction in human history’.

According to Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, the spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in Limpopo, Lewitton was released on R100 000 bail.

The case was postponed until March 7, when he will again appear before the Namakgale Magistrate’s Court.