24 April 2007
The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) and the South
African Police Service's (SAPS's) Special Task Team and Borderline Port of
Entry Division arrested nine people last night during a joint night operation
around Robben Island, an identified 'hot spot' poaching area.
A nine metre semi-rigid inflatable boat was confiscated along with 289 units
of abalone and 10 West Coast Rock Lobsters. All suspects reside in the Gansbaai
and Houtbay area. They are expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate's
court tomorrow, Wednesday, 25 April 2007. Another rubber duck was also
confiscated by authorities in the Robben Island area on Sunday, 22 April 2007
for contravention of South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)
regulations.
In another incident yesterday Monday, 23 April 2007, authorities responded
immediately to calls from members of the communities in the Hawston/Kleinmond
area who reported two semi-rigid vessels were observed alleging planning to
embark on west coast rock lobster poaching.
A joint SAPS and DEAT team was dispatched to the area and in a combined
land-sea based operation which involved the Ruth First Environmental Protection
Vessel, poaching was effectively prevented as the vessels immediately withdrew
from the waters. The Ruth First and the rest of the environmental protection
fleet and continue to patrol the South African coastline as part of a
preventative strategy.
"Collaborations and joint operations with other law enforcement agencies
form an important aspect to our fight against poaching and crime; our
communities are more and more realising that they too are the custodians in
protecting our marine resources. Through effective partnership we can only but
be successful in nailing these ruthless criminals who are plundering our
natural resource base," said Blessing Manale, head of DEAT communications.
For enquiries, contact:
Blessing Manale
Tel: 012 310 3862
Cell: 083 766 1630
E-mail: bmanale@deat.gov.za
Carol Moses
Cell: 082 829 3917
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
24 April 2007
