Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that it is working closely with South African authorities to verify information regarding the reported arrest of Vietnamese national Chu Dang Khoa in connection with alleged rhino horn smuggling.

Speaking at a regular press briefing on March 19, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said that immediately after receiving the information, the Vietnamese Embassy in South Africa proactively contacted local authorities to clarify the case and implement appropriate consular protection measures.

Following directives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the embassy is continuing to coordinate closely with relevant South African agencies to handle the case in accordance with local laws and regulations.

The response came after media reports on March 13 indicated that South African authorities had arrested a Vietnamese farm owner suspected of involvement in the illegal trade of rhino horns. Journalists at the briefing requested further clarification and asked about Vietnam’s measures to combat transnational wildlife trafficking.

Pham Thu Hang reaffirmed that Vietnam, as a participant in international conventions on biodiversity and the prevention of transnational crime related to endangered wildlife trade, is committed to strictly fulfilling its obligations in protecting wildlife and combating illegal trafficking.

To date, Vietnam has introduced a range of legal frameworks and enforcement measures aimed at managing, protecting and strictly penalizing violations involving illegal wildlife trade.

Earlier, a statement published on March 12 on the website of South Africa’s Democratic Alliance cited legislator Andrew de Blocq, who reported the arrest of several individuals, including Vietnamese nationals, allegedly linked to rhino horn smuggling activities.

According to the statement, in February, a suspect identified as Huy Bao Tran, 52, appeared before the Bellville Magistrate’s Court after being arrested while attempting to leave South Africa in connection with the theft and illegal export of 98 rhino horns from the Voi Game Lodge. Two Nigerian nationals, Tunji Olanrewaju Koyi, 35, and Koyode Adukunle Ongundele, 43, were also arrested for their alleged roles in transporting the contraband.

In a related development, South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) arrested Chu Dang Khoa, 44, also known as Michael Chu, who is believed to be the owner of the Voi Game Lodge. In 2011, he was fined and deported from South Africa for illegal possession of rhino horns.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that it will continue to monitor the situation closely while coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure the rights and legitimate interests of Vietnamese citizens are protected in accordance with international law.

Tran Thuong