Africa Wild

That’s a massive amount of money for eight bags. No wonder high up business men get involved

https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/ta ... 0ebdd14f0f

Table Mountain National Park cracks down on poachers
By Staff Reporter Time of article published 47m ago


Cape Town - Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) anti-crime and poaching operations have led to the arrests of 13 suspected poachers in the past week, SANParks confirmed on Tuesday.

TMNP manager Frans van Rooyen said the first group of five poachers were arrested on Thursday in the Kommetjie area following a joint operation between rangers assisted by the City’s law enforcement officers.


Thirteen units of abandoned abalone (amount undisclosed), and 10 West Coast rock lobster, along with diving gear, was confiscated during the operation.

On Friday, three suspects were arrested in the Hout Bay as a result of a joint crime prevention operation between the SAPS sea border and diving unit, and the SANParks Environment Crime Investigation (ECI) unit.

The suspects were found in possession of 86 abalone worth an undisclosed amount, and diving gear which was confiscated.

Rangers from the TMNP and the ECI apprehended five poachers in possession of 38 units of abalone following another joint operation patrol along Platboom, north of the Cape of Good Hope road, on Saturday.

“We urge our surrounding communities to continue helping us in a fight to curb crime within and around Table Mountain National Park. Congratulations to the entire SANParks team and stakeholders. We thank you for your dedication, obedience and tenacity and we wish you a successful festive season ahead,” Van Rooyen.

The suspects have been handed over to the SAPS for further investigation.


Cape Times

A pity that they can only be arrested when they have harvested the abalones

Alleged poachers bust in PE with R720 000 worth of abalone

Click on the title.

Lisbeth wrote: ↑Mon Jan 04, 2021 12:38 pm Alleged poachers bust in PE with R720 000 worth of abalone

Click on the title.

I am Glad ..but this is a Tiny haul for PE

Media Release: Successful Joint Operations at Table Mountain National Park led to the Arrests of Poachers

08 February 2021

Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) Marine Rangers in partnership with the City of Cape Town Marine Law Enforcement Unit conducted a joint sea patrol operation starting from January to-date in the Cape of Good Hope Section of TMNP, which lead to the arrest of 13 poachers in separate operations.

On Thursday, 14 January 2021, one poaching rubber duck was confiscated and booked in with the South African Police Services and a case of poaching was opened. The teams have been conducting daily sea patrols in the Marine Protected Areas of Table Mountain National Park to fight against poaching that threatens the Marine Resources.

A second arrest was made on Friday, 29 January following a successful joint operation conducted by the teams in Kommetjie. This resulted in five suspects being arrested and detained by the South African Police Services (SAPS) in Ocean View for being in possession of eighteen shucked abalone, one whole state abalone, Three West Coast Rock Lobster, and one West Coast Rock Lobster tail.

A third arrest was made on Wednesday, 3 February and four suspects were arrested for being in possession of Seven hundred and thirty (730) West Coast Rock Lobster tails and one Fishing Ski boat. All confiscated goods were booked in with the South African Police Service and a case of poaching has been opened.

"We really appreciate the assistance and support we are getting from the City of Cape Town Marine Law Enforcement Unit. Sharing of resources amongst law enforcement agencies is of paramount importance in tackling poaching more especially in identified poaching hotspots areas. Working together we can achieve more." says Ezekiel Kosa, TMNP Marine Manager.

Issued by:
South African National Parks (SANParks) Corporate Communications

Media enquiries:
Reynold "Rey" Thakhuli
SANParks Acting Head of Communications
073 373 4999
Email: rey.thakhuli@sanparks.org

They should do these operations more often