A 32-year-old suspect is due to appear in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrates’ court on 25 February 2021, after he was found in possession of abalone with an estimated street value of R100 000 near The Crags in Plettenberg Bay.
His arrest follows a joint response by members of the police, rangers from the South African National Parks and a local security companies, to information on possible illegal activities. Preliminary investigation indicates that a suspicious Volkswagen Amarok was seen by rangers in the vicinity of The Crags near Plettenberg Bay on Tuesday, 23 February 2021.
Later, the same day at about 21:15, this vehicle was again spotted in the bushes and while members approached, the group managed to flee the scene on foot and abandoned the vehicle. Members ensued with a search and managed to apprehend a suspect. Upon searching the vehicle and the surroundings, the team discovered five bags containing 565 units of abalone in the bushes. The abalone was confiscated and the vehicle seized.
This suspect, believed to be from Gans Bay, is still in custody. He is facing a charge of possession of abalone. His accomplices are yet to be arrested.
The protection of our living marine resources along the coastline is important. All efforts will be made to protect this precious resource and to bring abalone poachers to book.
Detectives attached to the Oudtshoorn Stock theft and Endangered species Unit are probing this matter. Investigation continues.
