Abalone Poaching

[Richprins]

Teen among nine arrested with 'R240k worth of abalone' in Jeffreys Bay

By Kim Swartz - 21 November 2024 - 14:32


Some of the abalone seized by police in Jeffreys Bay.


Image: SAPS

A teenager is among nine alleged poachers due in court after police seized abalone worth about R240,000 and diving equipment in Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape.

The suspects, aged 17 to 44, were bust on Tuesday by the multidisciplinary Kouga abalone task team including the Humansdorp stock theft unit, K9 unit, law enforcement, department of forestry, fisheries and the environment, Paradise Beach neighbourhood watch and private security companies.

The team embarked on an operation targeting known areas for abalone poaching in the Paradise Beach area, said police spokesperson Capt Marius McCarthy. They observed suspicious vehicles and people moving in an out of the area and pounced once the abalone had been collected for transportation.

The suspects were arrested after a high-speed chase and are expected to appear soon in the Humansdorp magistrate's court.

Police recovered 1,000 units of abalone, diving equipment and two vehicles suspected of being used in the commission of a crime, said McCarthy.

TimesLIVE

https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2024 ... freys-bay/

[Lisbeth]

Can't some be saved if thrown back into the water right away

[Richprins]

I think they cut them, Lis!

[Lisbeth]

Yes, they are growing on rocky surfaces, but I thought they might still be alive and .......

[Richprins]

[Richprins]

Hout Bay man in court after police seize abalone worth R188k
By Kim Swartz - 16 January 2025 - 12:55

Police have seized abalone worth R188,000 hidden between residential properties in Hout Bay.


A 22-year-old suspect was arrested in Hout Bay, Cape Town, on Thursday after police seized abalone worth R188,000 hidden between residential properties.

Metro police attached to the special operations unit held an integrated operation with law enforcement and the city's internal investigations unit after receiving information about potential criminal activity related to poaching.

“At about 4am, the city’s 'Eye in the Sky' spotted suspicious people near Robben Island,” said safety and security MMC JP Smith.


“The suspects' boat was followed to Hout Bay harbour, while officers on the ground responded and searched the area.”

Police seized 23 bags of abalone weighing about 250kg.



Image: Supplieda

Police spokesperson Capt FC van Wyk said: "[A total of] 1,212 abalone were confiscated of which the street value is estimated at R188,000. The suspect is due to appear in the Wynberg magistrate's court on Monday [for possession of illegal abalone].”

Smith added: “As staff were leaving the area, some community members threw stones at one of the vehicles.

“This bust is the latest example of how we are using technology to extend our reach and track criminal activity that could otherwise have gone undetected.”

TimesLIVE

https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2025 ... rth-r188k/

[Lisbeth]

DOES IT NEVER STOP

[Richprins]

Cape Town police arrest suspect with R120,000 worth of abalone
14 February 2025 - 12:11
Modiegi Mashamaite Multimedia reporter

Police found 562 units of abalone with an estimated street value of R120,000.



Image: SAPS/Facebook

A 22-year-old Malawian was arrested on Thursday after members of the Cape Town K9 unit intercepted a vehicle transporting illegal abalone worth an estimated R120,000.

The arrest comes amid growing concern about the increasing illegal harvesting of abalone, a delicacy highly sought after in global seafood markets.

The Cape Town K9 unit was acting on intelligence received about a Toyota Corolla reportedly travelling from Simon’s Town and transporting abalone. Upon spotting the vehicle in Muizenberg, the officers carried out a search.

Inside the car, they discovered 562 units of abalone, which is illegal to harvest in the wild without a permit. The suspect was arrested.

This incident is part of a broader crackdown on abalone poaching, which has seen a surge in criminal activity.

South African abalone is only found along the coastline, making it a valuable yet vulnerable resource. Its highly prized meat, known for its rich flavour, is often sold live, frozen or canned and is considered a delicacy in many parts of the world.

South Africa is the only country where the wild harvesting of abalone is prohibited, as the marine species is vital to the ecosystem.

As poaching continues to rise, authorities are ramping up efforts to combat the illegal trade, with operations such as those carried out by the Cape Town K9 unit playing a key role in safeguarding the species and local communities.

The suspect will appear in the Muizenberg magistrate's court once he has been charged.

TimesLIVE

https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2025 ... f-abalone/

[Lisbeth]

The arrest comes amid growing concern about the increasing illegal harvesting of abalone

More controls! The coastline where you find Abalones is not that long. Wasn't there established a special police unit for this purpose?