More than 8 600 pieces of abalone with a street value of around R1.6 million were found in the Western Cape within two days. (Photo: Provided)
More than 8 600 pieces of abalone with a street value of around R1.6 million were found in the Western Cape within two days, which the government says sends a strong message to poachers.
Willie Aucamp, the minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment, praised law enforcement authorities for the successful operations in Simonstad and Grabouw and at the same time warned that poaching and other crimes against South Africa’s wildlife will not be tolerated.
“These operations demonstrate the unwavering commitment of our law enforcement agencies, in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, to protect South Africa’s marine resources,” said Aucamp.
The first operation was carried out on Thursday near Partridge Point in Simonstad.
During this operation, suspects were arrested and 106 pieces of abalone were found.
A second operation was carried out the following day in collaboration with the department, CapeNature and provincial traffic authorities.
According to the department, authorities stopped a vehicle suspected of transporting illegally harvested abalone near Grabouw after which the vehicle was chased into Nomzamo near Gordons Bay.
A total of 8,686 pieces of abalone with a total weight of 892.41 kg were found during the operations. Its street value is estimated at around R1 636 082.
‘No safe haven’
Aucamp says the government will not hesitate to take strict action against poachers.
“I issue a stern warning to poachers and anyone considering getting involved in poaching: Zero tolerance will be shown towards these criminal activities.
“The vehicles and boats used to poach marine resources will be confiscated and offenders will experience the full force of the law. Poachers will find no safe haven in South Africa.”
He also praised the cooperation between the various law enforcement agencies.
“I would like to thank the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, SANParks’ Sea Rangers and Dog Unit, CapeNature, the City of Cape Town and provincial traffic authorities for their cooperation and prompt action which led to these arrests and seizures.”
Serious charges await
Serious charges, related to the illegal harvesting of marine resources, possession of illegally obtained abalone and other related offences, are expected to be brought against the suspects.
“The department remains committed to working with all spheres of government and communities to combat organized poaching syndicates and protect South Africa’s valuable marine biodiversity for future generations,” says Aucamp.