Excellent collaboration between SAPS Humansdorp and Gqeberha K9 units, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs as well as a private security company resulted in the arrest of eight suspects and the confiscation of abalone and diving equipment to the value of R350 000 on March 1.
According to Colonel Priscilla Naidu, police spokesperson, it is alleged that on February 28, the team received and acted on information of illegal poaching.
“Way-lay duties were held on the R330 between Humansdorp and St Francis Bay and at about 07:00 on March 1, the suspects were spotted hiding in the bushes,” said Naidu.
She said as police swooped in on them, they started running.
Naidu said eight suspects were arrested while the others got away.
“On searching the bushes, 2 108 units of abalone as well as diving equipment and gear were confiscated,” said Naidu.
She said the suspects aged between 28 and 41 years old were detained on charges relating to the contravention of the Marine Living Resource Act, 19 of 1998 Regulation 36 sub sect 1 – illegal possession of abalone.
The suspects will appear in the Humansdorp Magistrate’s Court on March 3.
The District Commissioner for the Sarah Baartman district, Maj Gen Zolani Xawuka commended the team for their resilient efforts in clamping down on illegal poachers.
“Criminality knows no boundaries and our police officers will be closely monitoring the coastline to ensure that those using the sea as a mode of transport or fishing within the Humansdorp area, is free from criminal or unlawful activities,” said Xuwaka.
