Whilst on
patrol, the South African National Parks (SANParks) rangers at Garden Route
National Park stationed at Nature’s Valley, Tsitsikamma, were able to
apprehend one of four poaching suspects on March 30.
According
to JP Louw, SANParks head
of communications, after noticing the patrol underway, four divers came
out from the sea and started running.
“Rangers
immediately called for back-up, and a prompt response of additional rangers,
South African Police Service (SAPS) Plettenberg Bay, and Department
of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Gqeberha
led to the apprehension of one suspect after a chase,” said Louw.
He
said that unfortunately, the other three suspects ran into the thicker forest
area, which made it difficult to continue their pursuit.
“The
suspect who is from Jeffreys Bay has been detained at SAPS Plettenberg Bay Station
with 34 kg of abalone with an estimated street value of R62 333.22,” said Louw.
He
said that SANParks encourages the public to report any suspicious activities
that may threaten wildlife and protected areas.
