SAPS - South African Police Service

12/08/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/09/2022 00:10

Police in Gqeberha hot on the trail of abalone poachers

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Eastern Cape

Illegal abalone poachers are feeling the heat as police close in on their illicit poaching activities along the Gqeberha coastline. In separate incidents, on Wednesday, 7 December 2022, police and private anti-poaching units monitoring the coastline confiscated abalone and diving equipment worth thousands of rands.

In the first incident, at about 03:10, special operations were held in our endeavours to apprehend illegal poachers operating in the ocean. The team comprising of K9 members and Gqeberha Flying Squad assisted by private anti-poaching units confiscated 8 bags of abalone at Maitland beach. A total of 1119 units of abalone estimated at R650 000 was confiscated. The six suspects on spotting police approaching them, ran off in different directions.

In another incident, at about 04:50, while Public Order Policing were patrolling on the M4 road, they noticed a rubber duck in the sea that was moving from the Summerstrand side towards Bluewater Bay. The members rushed towards Bluewater Bay and noticed the rubber duck that was now racing away from the beach.

The members then patrolled the beach on foot and found 5 green bags tied with rope. The bags were filled with 1007 units of abalone. The estimated value of the mollusc are R422 940-00. No arrests were made.

Also at about 10:00 on the same day, two rubber ducks, diving gear and equipment were confiscated from the beach at Noordhoek. An enquiry docket was opened for investigation.

Ends

Enquiries:
Col Priscilla Naidu
071 362 8726

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