A diplomat of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has been expelled from South Africa for allegedly committing rhino horn trafficking, said authorities of the SA Department of International Relations and Cooperation on Wednesday.

The name of the high ranking official was not released, but according to local media, the diplomat is identified as Park Chol-jun, a political councilor at the embassy.

Park was arrested on May 3 in the Mozambican capital of Maputo for allegedly trafficking 4.5 kilograms of rhino horn.

Law enforcement agents also found 99,300 U.S. dollars in cash in a vehicle in which he was travelling.

The South African government last month gave Park a 30-day ultimatum to leave the country. It's reported that Park had quietly left South Africa on December 11, the local media said.