Edited: In a multi-million Rand abalone bust at a lodge in the Eastern Cape’s Southwell area outside Bathurst this week, three men were arrested by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in a joint action with the SAPS.
On 19 August around lunchtime the DFFE with assistance from members of SAPS Highway Patrol, the Stock Theft Unit (STU), Vispol Bathurst and other relevant units, searched the lodge where they suspected criminal activities were being conducted.
The raid resulted in the recovery of equipment and items linked to the processing of abalone worth millions. The three men aged 28-45, who were arrested were said to be foreigners according to the SAPS release.
The trio face charges relating to the contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998, specifically Section 13(1), read with Regulation 36(1). The investigation is continuing and the suspects are expected to appear before the Port Alfred Magistrate’s Court today, the SAPS said.
The SAPS also said it commends the cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the DFFE in combating illegal marine resource activities and protecting South Africa’s marine resources.
St Francis Chronicle 