Edited: Yesterday, 2 July the SAPs in Gqeberha recovered and confiscated 1 048 units of abalone, comprising 965 de-shelled and 83 shelled abalone, with an estimated street value of R130k.
The SAPS said this dealt a significant blow to the illegal abalone trade. The SAPS reports that around 12:30 pm members attached to the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) Combat Team acted on info regarding illegally poached abalone allegedly hidden near Gate 1 at Noordhoek, along Marine Drive.
The area was searched and with the assistance from a diver from a private security company six waist bags, concealed between rocks in shallow water, were recovered. The diver recovered the bags and contacted officials from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) who attended the scene to process the seizure. No arrests have yet been made and police investigations are continuing.
Acting District Commissioner for Nelson Mandela Bay, Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo, commended the members for their swift response and collaborative efforts. “Every successful recovery disrupts the illegal wildlife trafficking network and prevents our marine resources from being exploited for criminal gain.
“We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect South Africa’s natural resources and bring those responsible for environmental crimes to justice,” Brigadier Ngalo said.
St Francis Chronicle 