Gqeberha’s K9 unit had a busy weekend when they arrested suspects for various crimes that include dealing in drugs and abalone poaching.
According to Capt Sandra Janse van Rensburg, police spokeserpson, the K9 unit responded on Sunday, 25 April at approximately 04:25 to an alarm activation in the vicinity of Schoemakerskop.
“While on route the [K9] members noticed a motor vehicle standing in the bushes. As they stopped to investigate, four men jumped out of the vehicle and ran into different directions into the bushes. The members searched the vehicle and found bags of abalone in the boot of the vehicle,” Janse van Rensburg said.
She added that the members then called for the assistance of a private anti-poaching unit to assist with securing the area.
“Police dog Cylo was utilised to search the bushes. Cylo picked up a trace in a very dense bush and two suspect were arrested after they handed themselves over. While still busy on the scene, the private anti-poaching unit noticed movement not too far away and a third suspect was apprehended with diving equipment.”
The suspects are aged between 24 and 29.
In total 1 039 units of abalone were recovered to the value of approximately R580 000, as well as diving equipment.
The past weekend the K9 unit also arrested eight suspects, aged between 30 and 55, in separate incidents for drug-related offences after search warrants were executed in Kuyga, Schauderville, Bethelsdorp and Sidwell. They confiscated 107 full mandrax tablets, 46 half mandrax tablets, 18 quarter mandrax tablets, 134 packets of tik, one big bag of tik weighing 43 grams, 540 bompies of dagga and 28 packets of cat/cocaine, with a total street value of R228 000.
The members also recovered four vehicles allegedly stolen or hijacked.
“On Saturday, 24 April at 01:00 they received information of a stolen green Mazda 323. The vehicle was stolen in Kwadwesi and recovered abandoned in Westville. Shortly after this recovery the same team recovered a white Ford Ranger on the R75 (Kwadwesi area) while patrolling. This vehicle was stolen during a house robbery in Bushy Park and the vehicle was left abandoned next to the road.”
Later the same day at 17:45, while still on route to report for duty, the members responded to information they received of a white Mercedes Benz that was reported stolen from a golf club in Mill Park.
“The vehicle was found abandoned in Evatt Street, Central.”
Another vehicle, a maroon Renault Kwid, was recovered on Sunday, 25 April at approximately 01:30. This vehicle was allegedly hijacked in Korsten.
“The vehicle was recovered at the Railway Flats in New Brighton. All these vehicles were towed in for further investigation,” she said.
All the suspects will appear in different Magistrates courts on Monday, 26 April.
Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brig Thandiswa Kupiso, has welcomed the arrests, recoveries and confiscation of drugs.
“The Gqeberha K9 [unit] plays an integral part in clamping down on criminals within the Nelson Mandela Bay District policing precinct. These successes indicate that our members are passionate and dedicated to their calling. We are serious on cleaning up these drug dens in our neighbourhoods and we will continue to do so without any fear or favour.”
Source: SAPS media statement
