Cape Town Metro Police make massive abalone bust
The multi-million rand abalone bust came during the execution of a search warrant on the weekend while elsewhere drama unfolded early evening in Strand, when traffic officers were instrumental in the arrest of a hijacking and murder suspect.
On Saturday, 4 February 2023, just after 09:30, officers attached to the K9 Unit executed a search warrant in Bellville and arrested two suspects for the possession of abalone and crayfish, valued at approximately R3,2 million.
Officers found 6 416 units of abalone stored in three big deep freezers inside the garage, four whole crayfish, 40 crayfish tails and approximately R150 000 in cash.
The suspects, a 26-year-old male and a 23-year-old female were detained at Bellville SAPS.
Crayfish Milnerton
Police have seized crayfish worth about R9 million following a raid on premises in Milnerton, Cape Town.
Spokesperson Nowonga Sukwana says police officers made the bust when they pounced on a warehouse in Racing Park after following up on leads.
She says the crayfish was stored in cooler boxes.
“Efforts to root out the illegal trade of crayfish in the Western Cape, and bring the perpetrators thereof to book saw three suspects, two males and one female, aged between 30 and 40, behind bars.”
The suspects face a charge of illegal possession of crayfish.
Meanwhile, Metro Police have nabbed three other suspects in Kleinvlei for the possession of crayfish worth about R65 000.
Metro Police Spokesperson Ruth Solomons says the officers searched a vehicle in Eerste River Way and seized 390 whole crayfish and just over 2000 tails.
She adds: “R9 000 in cash was also found in the vehicle. The suspects are expected to appear in court after being charged.”
Table Mountain
Table Mountain Ranger Injured During Anti-Poaching Operation
South African National Parks (SANParks) wishes the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) Sea, Air and Mountain (SEAM) special operations ranger, a speedy recovery following an attack by a suspected poacher resisting arrest during an anti-poaching operation in the Glencairn area of TMNP in the early hours of this morning.
On 24 January around 23:30, the TMNP Operations Room staff received information from the Environment Crime Investigation (ECI) unit of suspected poachers operating in the TMNP Marine Protected Area in the vicinity of Glencairn.
SEAM operators responded to this report and, with the assistance of the South African Police Services (SAPS), successfully stopped a vehicle suspected of being involved in the incident. During the vehicle search, 112 abalone and diving gear were discovered. Six suspects were arrested and the vehicle was seized. During the arrest, one of the suspects resisted and attacked a SEAM ranger, who was rushed to the nearest hospital with serious bodily injuries.
“Our rangers are faced with life-threatening situations in their daily work, whilst protecting our natural heritage on land and sea. I’d like to wish our ranger a speedy healing process and believe that he will make a full recovery following this unfortunate incident. Congratulations must go to the SEAM operations rangers and members of SAPS for the successful arrest of the suspects in question. Thank you for your dedication and hard work in the fight to preserve our natural resources at all costs,” said newly appointed TMNP Park Manager, Megan Taplin.
The suspects have been handed over to SAPS for further investigation and will be appearing in court in due course.
“We urge our surrounding communities to continue to help us in the fight to curb crime within and around Table Mountain National Park, and encourage you to report any suspicious behaviour timeously to Table Mountain National Park emergency number on 086 110 6417.”