Edited by Kouga Chronicle:
In a bid to escape two suspected marine poachers on one of two rubber ducks approaching Robben Island Marine Protected Area, allegedly attempting to illegally harvest marine resources there, rammed their rubber duck into the boat carrying response officials from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) last weekend.
Both vessels were damaged, leading to the arrest of two suspects by Table Bay SAPS. The rubber duck used in the incident was recovered with assistance from South African National Parks (SANParks) and the National Sea Rescue Institute.
And two days later, in a second incident last weekend, officials were again alerted to the presence of two rubber ducks approaching the Robben Island Marine Protected Area. A joint response by DFFE and SANParks resulted in the successful interception and arrest of seven suspects during the early hours of 10 April. No serious injuries were sustained by Department or SANParks officials during these two operations.
A joint law enforcement-based task team of relevant stakeholders, including DFFE officials from Western Cape Province, City of Cape Town, South African Police Services, and SANParks, is intensifying the fight against illegal use of natural resources, according to DFFE Minister Willie Aucamp, who confirmed the incidents. The DFFE, he said, initiated the arrests following attempts to illegally harvest marine resources.
“The Department continues to collaborate with relevant authorities to strengthen enforcement operations and ensure the protection and sustainability of South Africa’s marine biodiversity,” Minister Aucamp said.
In commending the arrest of the nine alleged poachers, he said: “I want to send a stern warning to poaching syndicates that the senseless and untethered poaching and plundering of our natural resources will come to an end, whether they like it or not. We will continue to fight until we win the fight against poaching.”
The Minister also urged all stakeholders, including community members and leadership, to join the fight, to be vigilant in supporting ongoing efforts to combat the illegal exploitation of our marine resources.
By
