23 October 2006
This morning (23 October 2006) officials from the Departmental of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) together with the Hermanus Dog Unit of
the South African Police Service (SAPS) confiscated 29 bags of abalone
containing 3 800 Abalone at Meerensee near Hawston. Four suspects were
arrested. They are due to appear in court tomorrow.
Several other confiscations and arrests were made over the weekend.
Officials from the Department and the South African Police Service (SAPS)
have clamped down on a farm in Steinkopf on the West Coast over the weekend and
confiscated 20 600 units of abalone, more than half of which was dried. Four
vehicles, a caravan and various drying equipment were confiscated and 11
suspects were arrested, one of whom is a Chinese national. All are expected to
appear in the Springbok magistrate's court today, Monday 23 October 2006.
In two separate incidents in the Overberg area officials seized 10 000 units
of abalone in Buffelsjag and also arrested two suspects in a house in Gansbaai,
where they confiscated 780 units of abalone and a freezer after a tip off was
received from members of the community.
During the same time in another incident, members from the South African
Police Service confiscated 5 600 units of abalone, a vehicle, and arrested 7
suspects in Napier near Bredasdorp.
All suspects are due to appear in court today.
"With increasing tip-offs and co-operation with members of communities it
becomes clear that communities are becoming impatient with poachers and others
who illegally exploit our marine resources. Poachers are warned that no matter
where they are engaging with these illegal activities, they will be exposed,"
said Blessing Manale, Acting Chief Director: Communications of the DEAT.
Enquiries:
Blessing Manale
Cell: 083 381 2939
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
23 October 2006
