More than R718 000 worth of West Coast Rock Lobster was seized in Hawston after a suspected poacher fled from law Enforcement officers. The suspect allegedly dumped bags of crayfish during the early-morning operation.
A total of 1 436 West Coast Rock Lobster units were recovered during a joint operation. This operation involved the Overstrand Municipality’s K9 Unit, Hermanus police and CapeNature on Monday 12 October.
The operation followed information about the harvesting of crayfish outside the official harvesting season, when all harvesting is prohibited.
Acting Municipal Manager of the Overstrand Municipality Edward Jantjies said officials responding to the information spotted a white single-cab bakkie. The bakkie was transporting crayfish.
The driver allegedly fled into a side street after spotting the enforcement team, abandoning several bags before escaping.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of 28 whole West Coast Rock Lobsters, 1 153 tails and 255 tails from egg-carrying females, known as berried females.
What was particularly concerning, however, was the presence of berried females. This is because these lobsters carry eggs and contribute to the replenishment of the species’ population.
Also identified in the operation were two white Toyota Hilux bakkies bearing CEM number plates. In addition, the fishing vessel Luna Scott was identified. These were alleged instruments used in the commission of the offence.
An enquiry docket has been opened and all recovered exhibits have been booked into the SAP 13 register at Hermanus Police Station.
Further investigations were underway.
The municipality urged residents not to buy unlawfully harvested marine products. They should instead report suspected poaching to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment or the police.
Suspect arrested for robbery
In a separate operation a suspect was arrested following the discovery of ammunition from a vehicle. The vehicle was believed to have been used in a robbery.
During the intelligence-driven operation in Hermanus municipal Law Enforcement officers recovered the ammunition in what Jantjies described as coordinated action.
The municipality’s K9 Unit also conducted crime-prevention patrols along the R43 and in Mount Pleasant, Schulphoek, Zwelihle, Westcliff, Hermanus CBD, Vermont and Hawston.
Jantjies confirmed that the operations formed part of ongoing Law Enforcement efforts across the Overstrand municipal area.
