They were arrested as part of the Safer Festive Season Operational Plan that began in November.

“This sends a stern warning to the poachers that the team will be like a hawk in policing criminal activities on the beaches during the festive season and beyond,” said Sarah Baartman District Commissioner Maj. Gen. Zolani Xawuka.

Seized abalone. Picture: SAPS

Abalone and diving equipment worth R240,000 were seized during a multidisciplinary operation at Jeffrey’s Bay on Tuesday (19/11), and nine suspects (between 17 and 44) were arrested, said Eastern Cape Police, Capt. Marius McCarthy.

The Kouga Abalone Task Team, consisting of Jeffrey’s Bay police officers, the Humansdorp stock theft unit and K9 unit, the department of forestry, fisheries and the environment, the Paradise Beach neighbourhood watch, and private security companies embarked on an intelligence-driven operation targeting known areas for abalone poaching at Paradise Beach.

While patrolling, they saw suspicious vehicles and persons moving in and out of the area, as well as assembling abalone at a pick-up point on the beach.

Seized diving equipment. Picture: SAPS

“They formulated a plan, and as soon as the abalone was collected and transported, the Task Team tactically approached the suspects, and a high-speed chase ensued.

“The team managed to apprehend nine male suspects and recovered a thousand units of abalone to the value of about two hundred and forty thousand rand (R240 000) and the diving equipment. On investigation police also confiscated the two vehicles as they were used in the commission of a crime,” added McCarthy.

Citizens travelling to the Eastern Cape or any other coastal areas this festive season are warned to be vigilant and alert of potential threats or suspicious behaviour and contact the local police.

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