China reacts to Mahlobo rhino horn trade ties

State Security Minister David Mahlobo. File picture: Phill Magakoe

State Security Minister David Mahlobo. File picture: Phill Magakoe

Published Nov 14, 2016

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Cape Town - The Chinese Embassy in South Africa has spoken out following the Al Jazeera's documentary “The Poacher's Pipeline” which alleges ties between State Security Minister David Mahlobo and an alleged Chinese organised crime figure and rhino horn trafficker living in South Africa, Guan Jiang Guang.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy stressed that the Chinese government has a firm and consistent position on the endangered wildlife such as an elephant and rhino.

“As a contracting party to CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), China has made unremitting efforts to The Chinese Embassy in SA has spoken out following the documentary “The Poacher's Pipeline” which alleges ties between State Security Minister David Mahlobo and an alleged Chinese rhino horn trafficker.protect wildlife on multiple fronts, including national legislation, institution development, trade management, law enforcement and oversight, capacity building and public participation.”

The spokesperson for the Chinese Embassay reiterated that the Chinese Government has conducted multiple campaigns such as the public destruction of confiscated wildlife products to increase public awareness on the issue.

“Public officials are prohibited from purchasing or taking part in the purchase of any endangered wild species or wildlife product. Upon discovery of any violation, officials that are involved are subject to severe punishment according to law and regulations.”

In the documentary Mr Guang,who also owns a massage parlour in Mbombela in Mpumalanga, shows photographs of himself and Mahlobo on his cellphone. Guang reportedly said he knew Mahlobo and openly bragged about bribing South African justice and immigration officials.

The State Security Minister issued his own statement early on Monday morning refuting the allegations against him.

“They are basically linking the fact that I used to visit a spa in Mpumalanga solely for the services that they render, to the illegal poaching of rhino horns by its owner which I have also just been made aware of now through the aired broadcast,” Mahlobo said.

“A number of my comrades, friends and high profile personalities visit the Mbombela Spa, take photos with Guang's family and some of his staff. Are these individuals now also involved on the illegal rhino trade? People drop names of high profile individuals and take photos - does this mean friendship or connection? I don't think so.”

MOJOIOL

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