Gansbaai: Western Cape. Members of Cape Town Sea Border Patrol, Gansbaai SAPS and Law Enforcement have arrested four suspects in their 20’s for the possession of abalone without a permit and transport of abalone.
According to Police Captain FC Van Wyk members from Cape Town Sea Border were activated on 09 June 2019 after receiving complaints about possible poaching at Pearly Beach, Gansbaai.
Members from Gansbaai SAPS were having observation on the vessels at sea, in the area of Bluewater Bay, Pearly Beach. Law Enforcement, Hermanus was also activated due to the hostile environment in the area.
Members approached the vessel and arrested four suspects. The vessel was on trailer already, tide was coming in and vehicle got stuck on the beach. The members managed to recover vehicle with vessel and trailer.
Upon inspection of the vessel, a bag of abalone was found on-board. When counted it was 13 units of abalone in shell and 28 units of shucked abalone.
The value of the abalone and items confiscated estimated at a substantial amount, is yet to be determined.
Once charged, the suspects are due to make a court appearance in the Hermanus Magistrates Court on the mentioned charges.