Abalone worth two hundred and forty thousand rand (R240 000) and diving equipment were seized during a multi-disciplinary operation at Jeffreys Bay on Tuesday, 19 November 2024, and nine suspects aged between 17 and 44 were arrested.
The Kouga Abalone Task Team that consists of members attached to Jeffrey’s 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 in an intelligence driven operation targeting known areas for abalone poaching in Paradise Beach Jeffreys Bay area.
During their tour of duty, they saw suspicious vehicles and persons moving in and out of the area as well as on the beach busy assembling abalone at a pick-up point. They formulated a plan, and as soon as the abalone was collected and transported, the Task Team tactically approached the suspects, and a high-speed chase ensued. The team managed to apprehend nine male suspects and recovered 1000 units of abalone to the value of about two hundred and forty thousand rand (R240 000) and the diving equipment. On investigation Police also confiscated the two vehicles as they were used in the commission of a crime.
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 that was recently launched in Jeffrey’s Bay. “This sends a stern warning to the poachers that the team will be like a hawk in policing criminal activities in the beaches during the Festive Season and beyond,” Maj Gen Xawuka
Abalone worth R240 000 and diving equipment seized, nine suspects arrested https://t.co/TKxg3jFZxO#ArriveAlive #Abalone #Enforcement @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/qSTla4vlMZ
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) November 21, 2024
