Three suspects were arrested on Sunday, October 4 after they were found in possession of 29 units of whole abalone and 24 West Coast rock lobsters. According to City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Services, the arrests took place at midday over the weekend.
“There is a 33-year-old suspect from Hout Bay, as well as a 29-year-old and 38-year-old from Ocean View who were arrested,” said Wayne Dyason, Law Enforcement spokesperson. “They were charged with possession and transporting of abalone in a whole state without a permit in terms of the Marine and Living Resources Act (MLRA). They were also charged for possession and transport of rock lobsters without a permit in terms of the MLRA.”
The officers were patrolling the Kommetjie area, which is a hotspot for poaching, when two vehicles drew their attention. Upon trying to pull the vehicle over, the driver of the vehicle sped off with the officers in hot pursuit.
“The other vehicle could not flee as it was towing a boat. The officers eventually caught the fleeing vehicle in Ocean View and brought the vehicle back to where the boat and the other vehicle was. A search revealed diving equipment including oxygen bottles, Abalone, and a shucking tool. The arrests were processed at Ocean View SAPS and the vehicles, boat and trailer were all impounded,” Dyason said.
Picture: Supplied/City of Cape Town