31/07/2025
SAPS CLAMPS DOWN ON ABALONE POACHERS
PORT ELIZABETH - During the week illegal abalone dealers were dealt yet another blow when Gqeberha SAPS K-9 in conjunction with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and a private security company members nabbed suspects and confiscated abalone in unrelated incidents.
On Monday, 28 July 2025, information was received about abalone activities in the Sardinia Bay area. The members responded and managed to confiscate three bags containing 861 units of abalone together with 12 diving suits, 10 waist bags, 5 diving goggles, 11 pairs of flippers, 11 chucking tools, 6 pairs of boots and 10 luggage bags. No one was arrested during the confiscation with an estimated value of R194 332-00.
While the members were busy at SAPS Walmer with the processing of the recovered abalone they received a complaint of suspected abalone divers. At approximately 18:30 the members immediately responded and on arrival they noticed four males carrying bags, the suspects dropped the bags and fled in different directions, one suspect (31) was arrested with a bag containing 195 units of abalone, estimated value of R64 166.00. During the search of the area the members further confiscated another bag with 251 units of abalone with an estimated value of R67 833-00.
In another incident on Tuesday 29 July 2025 at approximately 13:40 the members attached to K-9 noticed a white Smart vehicle that is known to be involved in abalone activities. In an attempt to stop the vehicle, the driver sped off. A high-speed chase ensued through Summerstrand and with the assistance of SAPS Humewood in Millard Street, Summerstrand the vehicle stopped, and the suspect fled on foot. The suspect (33) was arrested and during the search of the vehicle the members confiscated 283 units of abalone.
During the high speed chase the suspect attempted to force the SAPS K-9 off the road and that resulted that the SAPS vehicle collided into a property at the corner off Erasmus Drive and Scott Street, Summerstrand. No one was injured during the collision.
In the most recent incident on Wednesday 30/07, SAPS K-9 in Gqeberha were busy with patrols in Marine Drive, Summerstrand. At approximately 16:20 the members attached to K-9 received information of a silver Nissan Micra that was busy loading abalone into the vehicle in Marine Drive, Summerstrand.
The members immediately responded and noticed the vehicle in Marine drive, the members attempted to stop the vehicle, but suspect sped off and during the chase in Summerstrand the driver lost control of the vehicle and overturned. The vehicle went through a high school fence in the area, and the suspect (39) foreign national was arrested. During the search of the vehicle the members confiscated 383 units of abalone with an estimated value of R100 000-00.
The three suspects were arrested on charges of contravention the Marine Living Resource Act, 19 of 1998 Regulation 36 sub sect 1 – illegal possession of abalone and illegal transport and possession of abalone.
Some of the suspects already appeared while the other suspects will appear at the Gqeberha magistrate court during the week.
Illegal abalone activity is continuing in Gqeberha however SAPS members are leaving no stone unturned as they clamp down on criminals. Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata reiterated that illegal abalone activities is a huge concern and commended SAPS members and DFFE for their alertness in nabbing these smugglers.
The poaching of these molluscs can have a significant negative impact on the endangered species so efforts to apprehend those involved is crucial. By apprehending abalone poachers, our officials are not only upholding the law but also sending a strong message that illegal activities like this will not be tolerated,’ warned Maj Gen Ncata.
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