Nine suspects, aged between 17 and 44, were arrested in Jeffreys Bay on November 19 after abalone worth R240 000 and diving equipment were seized as part of a multi-disciplinary operation.
According to police spokesperson, Captain Marius McCarthy, the Kouga Abalone Task Team—comprising members from Jeffreys Bay SAPS, Humansdorp Stock Theft Unit, Humansdorp K9 Unit, Law Enforcement, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Paradise Beach Neighbourhood Watch, and private security companies—embarked on an intelligence-driven operation targeting known areas for abalone poaching in the Paradise Beach, Jeffreys Bay area.
He further said that during their tour of duty, they observed suspicious vehicles and people moving in and out of the area and on the beach, busy assembling abalone at a pick-up point.
McCarthy mentioned that the task team formulated a plan. As soon as the abalone was collected and transported, they tactically approached the suspects, and a high-speed chase ensued.
“The team managed to apprehend nine male suspects and recovered 1 000 units of abalone valued at about R240 000 as well as the diving equipment. Upon investigation, police also confiscated the two vehicles used in the commission of the crime,” said McCarthy.
He stated that the suspects are due to appear before the Humansdorp Magistrate Court soon.
The Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, Major General Zolani Xawuka, applauded the dedicated team for the successful execution of the Safer Festive Season Operational Plan recently launched in Jeffreys Bay.
“This sends a stern warning to the poachers that the team will be like a hawk in policing criminal activities on the beaches during the Festive Season and beyond,” said Xawuka.
