Cabinet has noted with concern allegations that State Security Minister David Mahlobo is a close friend of a kingpin in the rhino horn underworld, Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe said on Thursday. The allegation arises from an investigative report by Al Jazeera, in which self-confessed rhino horn smuggler Guan Jiang Guang claims the minister is a close friend of his who regularly visits his Mbombela spa. The minister has since released a statement distancing himself from the claim. Mahlobo has also indicated that he has laid a complaint with the police over the claim, which he considers defamatory. The DA has called on President Jacob Zuma to place Mahlobo on special leave.
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