SA poaching delegation heads to China

Alex Eliseev | 3 Day(s) Ago

The Environmental Affairs Department is sending a delegation to China following an R18 million rhino horn bust in Hong Kong.

On Monday, customs officials discovered a container with a secret consignment of 33 rhino horns and various items of ivory. The ship was travelling from Cape Town.

Authorities are concerned that the bust could reveal a new route used by poachers.

It is not clear who will travel and when the delegation leaves South Africa.

The department's Albie Modise said officials will investigate those behind the shipment.

He said the delegation was a sign of the good relations that exist between South Africa and China.

Meanwhile, monitoring group Traffic International said the latest bust could signal a new market and complex smuggling routes.

Over 300 rhinos have been poached in South Africa during 2011.

(Editing by Dennis Georgiannis)