The ongoing fight against abalone poaching along the Gansbaai coastline has yielded positive results, following the arrest of a 40-year-old suspect and the confiscation of abalone with an estimated monetary value of almost R100 000.
Lieutenant Colonel Winston Coetzee, commander of the Gansbaai Police station, reports that police officials were busy with anti-poaching activities in the Franskraal area on Saturday 22 April, when they came across a white VW Polo with the registration number CAA 201-369 which they suspected was involved in the transportation of abalone.
“The driver of the vehicle disregarded the officials instructions to stop and a high speed car chase ensued. It ended when the driver of the Polo lost control of the vehicle on the road towards Danger Point. Mlungiseleli Mzaku (40) was arrested after 486 units abalone were found inside the vehicle,” said Coetzee.
Mzaku first appeared in the Hermanus Magistrates’ Court on Monday 24 April. He faces charges of illegal possession of abalone and reckless and / or negligent driving. Mzaku was released on R1 000 bail and the case was postponed to 13 June.
Lt Col Coetzee applauded the members’ efforts and commitment in bringing the perpetrator to book. He reiterated that the police will continue working jointly with all other law enforcement agencies and communities in efforts to protect precious marine resources against extinction.
