– Edited by Bev Mortimer – On Tuesday this week abalone worth R240k and diving equipment were seized, and nine suspects arrested during a multi-disciplinary operation at Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape of South Africa
The Kouga Abalone Task Team that consists of members attached to Jeffrey’s Bay SAPS, Humansdorp Stock Theft Unit, Humansdorp K9 Unit, Law Enforcement, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Paradise beach Neighbourhood Watch and Private Security Companies embarked on an intelligence-driven operation, which targeted known areas for abalone poaching in Paradise Beach Jeffreys Bay area.
During their investigations they saw suspicious vehicles and persons moving in and out of the area as well as on the beach busy assembling abalone at a pick-up point. They formulated a plan, and as soon as the abalone was collected and transported, the Task Team tactically approached the suspects, and a high-speed chase ensued.
The team managed to apprehend nine male suspects and recovered 1000 units of abalone to the value of about R240k and the diving equipment. Police also confiscated the two vehicles used in the commission of a crime.
The suspects, aged between 17 and 44, are due to appear before the Humansdorp Magistrate Court soon.
The Sarah Baartman District Commissioner Major General Zolani Xawuka applauded the dedicated team for the successful execution of the Safer Festive Season Operational Plan that was recently launched in Jeffrey’s Bay. “This sends a stern warning to the poachers that the team will be like a hawk in policing criminal activities in the beaches during the Festive Season and beyond,” Maj Gen Xawuka said.
