R1.6 million abalone bust leads to arrests of two poachers in Simon’s Town and Grabouw
Abalone busts has been made worth over R1.6 million in the Western Cape.
Image: Supplied / Hawks
Two poachers who allegedly committed their crimes in Simon’s Town and Grabouw have been apprehended after being in possession of R1 636 082.025 worth of abalone.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has commended law enforcement authorities for the successful apprehension of poachers in Simon’s Town and Grabouw, while warning that poaching and other crimes against South Africa’s wildlife will not be tolerated.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) said the successes were as a result of two operations conducted on May 21 and May 22 respectively, which led to the arrest of poachers.
It said during the first operation, arrests were made near Partridge Point in Simon’s Town and 106 units of abalone were seized. During the second operation, which was done in collaboration between DFFE, Cape Nature and Provincial Traffic, a suspected vehicle transporting illegally harvested abalone was intercepted near Grabouw and was pursued to Nomzamo near Gordons Bay. The driver was arrested and a total of 8,686 units of abalone was seized.
In total, 8 686 units of shucked abalone, weighing 892.41 kg with an estimated street value of approximately R1 636 082.025, was seized.
These operations demonstrate the unwavering commitment of our law enforcement agencies, working with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), to protect South Africa’s marine resources.
“I issue a stern warning to poachers and anyone contemplating poaching: zero tolerance will be given for these criminal activities,” said Minister Willie Aucamp. “The vehicles and vessels you use to poach marine resources will be seized, and you will face the full might of the law; poachers will find no safe harbour in South Africa.”
Minister Aucamp commended the rapid response and collaboration between DFFE, SANParks Seam Rangers and K9 units, Cape Nature, City of Cape Town and Provincial Traffic, that led to these arrests and seizures.
The suspects are expected to face serious charges relating to the illegal harvesting of marine resources, possession of illegally obtained abalone, and other related offences.
The Department said it continues to work closely with all spheres of government and communities to combat organised poaching syndicates and to protect the valuable marine biodiversity for future generations.
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