A multidisciplinary team comprising of SAPS members from Jeffreys Bay, K9 unit and officials from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs arrested 12 suspects during the early hours of the morning on April 26, for illegal possession of abalone.
According to police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, on April 25 from 22:00 to April 26 at 04:00, the team held observation duties in Aston Bay monitoring suspected poachers.
She said at about 00:30 on April 26, a group of men exited from the sea carrying multiple bags.
Naidu said the police swooped in on them and 12 men, aged between 19 and 38, were arrested.
“A total of 2 047 units of abalone as well as their diving equipment were confiscated. The estimated street value of the confiscated mollusks is R409 400,” said Naidu.
She said the suspects will be appearing in the Humansdorp Magistrate’s Court today, April 28.
