Missed signals? Are South African high courts undervaluing corruption risks and syndicate involvement in wildlife crime?

Green and conservation criminology are important frameworks for addressing the complexity of environmental harms, their perpetrators and societal consequences. Both are grounded in the concept of harm, which includes illegal wildlife trade (IWT). This study examines decisions by South Africa’s courts to assess how judges addressed elements of organized crime and corruption in IWT cases. We conducted a systematic content analysis of 61 IWT-related cases ruled by South Africa’s highest courts between January 2000 and February 2024. Key findings include insights on cases where organized crime was detected, a limited adoption of an organized crime lens, and absence of corruption charges or consideration of corruption risks. Findings suggest legal tools alone may be insufficient, highlighting the relevance of structural and normative dimensions.