Eight people were arrested for being in possession of abalone and diving equipment. Image: Arrive Alive
Eight suspects arrested with abalone and diving equipment
Eight suspects were arrested and abalone and diving equipment worth R350 000-00 were confiscated on Wednesday, 1 March
Eight people were arrested for being in possession of abalone and diving equipment. Image: Arrive Alive
A multidisciplinary team yielded positive results in their efforts to protect endangered marine life by clamping down on abalone poachers along the Eastern Cape coastline.
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Abalone poachers arrested
Eight suspects were arrested and abalone and diving equipment worth R350 000-00 were confiscated on Wednesday, 1 March 2023.
This as a result of the exceptional collaboration between SAPS Humansdorp and Gqeberha K9 units, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs, and a private security company.
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The team received information about illegal poaching on 28 February 2023, and took action. They held way-lay duties on the R330 between Humansdorp and St Francis Bay.
Team spots perps hiding behind bushes
At about 07:00, the team spotted the suspects hiding in the bushes.
As the police swooped in on them, the suspects started running. The police arrested the 8 suspects while the others got away.
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The team confiscated 2108 units of abalone, diving equipment, and gear upon searching the bushes.
Charges related to the contravention of the Marine Living Resource Act, 19 of 1998 Regulation 36 sub-sect 1 – illegal possession of abalone, have been brought against the suspects who range in age from 28 to 41.
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They are scheduled to appear in the Humansdorp magistrate court on 3 March 2023.
Maj Gen Zolani Xawuka, the District Commissioner for the Sarah Baartman district, praised the team for their determined efforts in combatting illegal poaching.
