2 February 2006
Law enforcement officials thwarted plans for poaching of a group of more
than 20 poachers when they closed in on them in Rocket Road, Hout Bay, on
Wednesday, 2 February 2006. The intervention followed after the land-based
anti-poaching team closely observed a group of divers who behaved suspiciously
in the Hout Bay area for several hours.
The poachers became frustrated and aggressive, and took the officials
hostage for more than an hour. They wielded knives at them and threatened them.
It is alleged that firearms were also in the possession of the group.
After reinforcement from the South African Police Service arrived, the group
of poachers dispersed and the officials were freed.
A charge of public violence is being investigated.
In a separate incident Thursday, 3 February 2006, the preventative policing
strategy employed by the Department's protection vessel, the Lilian Ngoyi,
yielded results again when she prevented poaching in the Karbonkelberg
restricted area near Hout Bay by a group of poachers believed to be the same
individuals who were involved in the hostage incident. Eight ring nets were
confiscated. The poachers fled into the mountain.
The situation is closely being monitored and reinforcement has been deployed
in the area.
Enquiries:
Carol Moses
Cell: 082 829 3917
Tel: (012) 310 3594
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
2 February 2006
