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South Africa: North Korean diplomat expelled for trafficking rhino horn

South Africa: North Korean diplomat expelled for trafficking rhino horn

South Africa

A North Korean diplomat in South Africa on suspicion of rhino horn trafficking, has been expelled from the country said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Africa.

“We can confirm that the diplomat was expelled. He left the country on December 11,” the spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, Nelson Kgwete told AFP

“He was arrested in May in Mozambique for suspicion of rhino horn trafficking. He was driving a diplomatic car registered in South Africa,” he added.

According to the News24 website, the North Korean diplomat was arrested with 4.5 kg of rhino horn and 99.300 dollars of cash on him.

He was released on $ 30,000 bail, but he is reported to have discreetly returned to South Africa. Last month the South African authorities gave him thirty days to leave the country, according to News24.

In 2014, South Africa recorded the worst massacre of rhino killings. 1215 rhinos were killed, mostly in the famous Kruger Park.

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