Four suspected poachers have been arrested at the Table Mountain National Park, May 12, reports TimesLive. The accused were detained for fishing for West Coast Rock Lobsters off-season in Gifkommetjie.
SA National Parks (SANParks) said that the suspected poachers were found with eight ring nets and one rubber duck, which were subsequently confiscated by rangers. The suspects allegedly ditched the West Coast Rock Lobsters in the ocean after being chased by the rangers.
As reported by IOL, the suspected poacher was arrested at Miller’s Point for possession of 20 shucked and four whole state abalone. Park manager, Frans Van Rooyen, stated that the City of Cape Town and other law enforcement agencies have been working together to fight the scourge of abalone poaching.
“During the night, marine law enforcement followed divers in the water and prevented suspicious vehicles from entering the TMNP Marine Protected Area from Simon’s Town to Smuts area. The following morning, while conducting foot patrols, the team found 11 net bags containing 500 abalone,” he said.
According to Van Rooyen, daily sea patrols have been conducted in the Marine Protected Areas of TMNP to help fight poaching that threatens Marine Resources.
“We really appreciate the assistance and support we are getting from the City of Cape Town Marine Law Enforcement Unit and SAPS,” he said.
Van Rooyen went on to thank the TMNP rangers for a “spectacular job well done.”
Picture: SANParks Twitter