7 Feb 2012
Tip-offs from the public lead to the confiscation of more than 10 000 units of abalone and the arrest of four men, one a Chinese national, in four different operations across Cape Town yesterday.
In a joint-operation raid by several officials of the Monitoring, Compliance and Surveillance-unit (MCS) of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), the Hawks and the Environmental Crime Investigation Unit of SANParks on a house in Vredelust, Bellville, that was used as a drying processing facility, a Chinese national was arrested and 5 736 dried abalone (396.7kg) as well as various drying processing equipment were confiscated.
In another raid on a house in Portlands, Mitchell's Plain, last night, following information from the public about abalone that was dropped off at this house, 2 522 units of abalone (302.3kg) were confiscated and one suspect was apprehended while another one ran away.
Two men were also arrested after their cars were stopped by the police in Eerste River and Gordon's Bay respectively.
In the first incident, 1 574 units of abalone (248kg) were confiscated and in the second, 285 units of shucked abalone and 30 units of unshucked abalone were confiscated.
All four will appear in different magistrate courts across the city tomorrow.
To accomplish these impressive victories in one day in this arduous battle against poaching, is both encouraging and satisfying but knowing that we did all this with the help and cooperation of vigilant and law-abiding citizens who did not hesitate to call the authorities to report suspicious vehicles or activities in their neighbourhoods, clearly show that communities are doing their part in our national effort to protect our natural resources from exploitation.
DAFF would like to extend its gratitude to all those individuals who worked with the law-enforcement agencies and who, in doing so, contributed to these successes. We also like to thank other law-enforcement agencies who continue to support us in our efforts to protect our marine resources, to investigate and monitor any suspicious and criminal activities and who make sure that these criminals are removed from our communities.
Yesterday's successes proved that our government is serious about the protection of our marine resources and towards this end, the relationships between these agencies will be strengthened to ensure swifter and stronger action against crimes under the Marine Living Resources Act. More importantly, it also showed that communities are crucial in any effort to fight crime and protect our marine resources and we remain committed to our valued partnership with them.
Enquiries:
Lionel Adendorf
Cell: 076 267 5838
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
7 Feb 2012
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