A Chinese businessman accused of possessing and dealing in ivory, has been released on bail of a R1m by the Cape Town Magistrate's Court.
The court heard during the bail application that the SA Revenue Service was also investigating the activities of businesman, Qi Lu, who could still face more charges.
A state prosecutor told the court that SARS officials had found ivory products packed in boxes during a visit to Qi's warehouse.
His case has been postponed to the 16th of May.
Meanwhile the Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs Joyce Mabudafhasi says rhino are just one of the many species being poached.
Briefing the media in Polokwane on Monday, Mabudafhasi said although the issue of rhino poaching is a government priority, it was only a part of the larger problem, as many other animals are being poached.
She said South Africa had suffered R80b in losses in the 2010/2011 financial year as a direct result of environmental crimes that included the illegal trade in perlemoen, ivory and rhino horn.
