Statement by State Security Minister David Mahlobo in Response to

Al Jazeera Documentary
13 November 2016
1.

The Minister of State Security Mr David Mahlobo, MP, has noted with grave
concern and disappointment the unfounded and slanderous allegations made
against him in an Al Jazeeras documentary titled Al Jazeera Investigates:
The Poachers Pipeline as well as Sundays publications within the country.

2.

The documentary, aired on Al Jazeera on Sunday 13 November 2016,

purports a linkage and the involvement of Minister Mahlobo in the illegal rhino
horn trade. The basis of this linkage was said to be Mahlobos visits to the
local Mbombela Spa owned by a self-confessed criminal Guan Jiang Guang.
At the time Minister Mahlobo visited the Spa he had no idea as to what Mr.
Guang was involved in.

3.

The Minister refutes these ludicrous allegations with all the contempt that they
deserve and reserves his rights in respect of those making such false claims.
Additionally, he strongly rebukes Al Jazeera and other local publications and
broadcasters that reported on the story in the sensation seeking,
unprofessional and reckless manner.

4.

Guang apparently stated that he had some sort of friendship with Minister
Mahlobo and that the Minister on some occasions attended to his private
residence as well. This is not true. Minister Mahlobo is not a friend of Mr.
Guang and has never visited him at his residence. The photo that appeared
on Al Jazeera and in the Sunday papers is a photo taken when the Minister
was being treated at a manicure table and Guang requested a photo to be
taken. This is clear from the photo itself.

5.

The flimsy and vague allegation made in the programme by Mr. Nigel Morgan
that his companys contract was terminated by Kruger National Parks as a
result of possible interference by Minister Mahlobo is rejected and will be dealt
with in the appropriate forum.

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5.

It is extremely reckless and mischievous for an internationally renowned

broadcaster like Al Jazeera to be broadcasting such misleading content
despite our response said Mahlobo.

6.

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, he said. A number of my comrades, friends and high profile
personalities visit the Mbombela spa, take photos with Guangs 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 dont think so, said the Minister.

7.

Minister Mahlobo says this is tantamount to defamation and is appalled at

being linked to any activity and its syndicates and or individuals that are
seeking to further deplete the countrys endangered rhino population.

8.

The Minister restated his position on this matter saying I am not a friend of
the guy, nor have I been ever to his home or have received any of his
employees into my home. Finally my wife has no business relationship with
the man or his employees.

9.

Consequently this morning, Minister Mahlobo has initiated the following

remedial actions to deal with some of the alarming claims made in the
documentary:
a. Requested that Mpumalanga Police Commissioner to immediately investigate
all allegations made against him in the documentary.
b. Requested that the Commissioner take action against Guan for illegal rhino
poaching activity.
c. Requested the Commissioner to additionally look into claims by Guan that he
employs illegal immigrants and circumvents immigration laws.
d. Finally, Minister Mahlobo has engaged a legal team to investigate possible
defamation action against Al Jazeera, the publications, Mr Guang and Mr
Morgan for defamation and the reputational damage that this documentary

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and the newspaper articles have caused to the State Security Ministry and his
family.
10.

Since his appointment Minister Mahlobo, working with other relevant Ministers
has been at the forefront in fighting against environmental crimes. The
Ministry further reiterates that it will continue to work tirelessly within the
security services as part of the governments effort to curb transnational
organized crime and bring to justice those involved including their syndicates.

Enquiries
Brian Fikani Dube:
Head of Communication
082 418 3389

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