South African minister linked to rhino horn trafficker

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG

South Africa’s main opposition has called for the suspension of the state security minister after he was linked to a Chinese rhino horn trafficker in a documentary broadcast Sunday on Al Jazeera.

Democratic Alliance (DA) Chief Whip John Steenhuisen said Monday his party wanted President Jacob Zuma to place David Mahlobo on special leave pending a full investigation into his relationship with Guan Jiang Guang.

An investigative documentary broadcast by Al Jazeera showed Guang a self-confessed wildlife trafficker saying Mahlobo was his friend and he had visited his home.

He also showed a photograph of him with the minister creating an impression the minister had allegedly protected him in his illegal activities.

“Clearly, Mahlobo cannot continue in his current position and must be put on special leave to avoid manipulation of this crucial investigation,” the DA said in a statement.

According to conservation group Save the Rhino, at least 5,940 African rhinos have been killed since 2008. The group says 1,175 rhinos were poached in South Africa in 2015.

There are about 25,000 African rhinos remaining, with the biggest population in South Africa's Kruger National Park.

Rhino horns are in high demand in China and Vietnam where they are used for traditional medicines and a symbol of status for the wealthy.

The documentary also claimed that members of the Chinese president’s delegation who visited South Africa last December had allegedly been involved in illegally buying ivory and rhino horns that they smuggled back home.

- Denial

Mahlobo has denied the allegations saying the Chinese businessman was not his friend and he had never visited his home.

He said Guang had requested to take a photo with him when he visited his spa for a manicure treatment.

“The Minister refutes these ludicrous allegations with all the contempt that they deserve,” a statement issued by his office said Monday.

Meanwhile, the South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association has also joined calls for the minister to be investigated.

Fred Camphor, head of the association, told Anadolu Agency Monday they were deeply disturbed by the allegations against the minister and wanted President Zuma to set up a judicial commission to investigate the claims.