The suspects tried to evade arrest by deliberately crashing their vessel into a departmental boat. (Photo: SAgovnews/X)
Willie Aucamp, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, welcomed the arrest of nine suspects, after they allegedly attempted to illegally harvest marine resources in the Robben Island Marine Protected Area.
According to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the arrests stem from two separate incidents that took place within a few days.
The first incident was on April 7 when two rubber boats approached the protected area. Officers responded immediately to stop the suspects.
“When our officers intervened, the suspects tried to evade arrest by deliberately crashing their vessel into a departmental boat. This caused damage to both vessels, but we were still able to arrest two suspects,” said Aucamp.
The dinghy used in the incident was later located and recovered with the help of SANParks and NSRI. (Photo: NSRI)
The two suspects were taken to the police in Table Bay. The dinghy used in the incident was later located and recovered with the help of SANParks and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).
Only two days later, authorities were again notified of two rubber boats approaching the area. A joint action by several role players followed, after which seven more suspects were arrested.
“Our response was quick and well coordinated. The seven suspects were apprehended before they could continue their illegal activities,” said Aucamp.
No serious injuries were reported during the operations.
Strong warning to poaching networks
Aucamp issued a clear warning to poaching syndicates and said that the plundering of natural resources will no longer be tolerated.
“I want to send a stern warning to syndicates that the senseless and uncontrolled poaching and plundering of our natural resources will come to an end, whether they like it or not. We will continue to fight, until we win the battle against poaching.”
He says the department is already working closely with other authorities to strengthen law enforcement.
“The department continues to work with relevant authorities to strengthen enforcement operations and ensure the protection and sustainability of South Africa’s marine biodiversity.
“We have recently established a joint enforcement-based task force with other relevant stakeholders, which includes the Western Cape province, the City of Cape Town, the police and SANParks, to further intensify the fight against the illegal use of natural resources.”
The minister also calls on the public to get involved in the protection of the coastline.
“We urge all stakeholders, including citizens and community leaders, to join the fight by remaining vigilant and supporting ongoing efforts to combat the illegal exploitation of our marine resources.”