Law enforcement commended for major abalone bust

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has welcomed the confiscation of over 250 kilograms of abalone in the City of Cape Town.

The City of Cape Town’s Special Operations Unit, Law Enforcement, and the Internal Investigations Unit, successfully intercepted a major poaching operation on Thursday.

“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the entire team who contributed in any way to the successful operation in Hout Bay.  Thanks to their swift and coordinated efforts, supported by the cutting-edge capabilities of the City’s Eye in the Sky, they managed to successfully stop the  abalone poaching operation. 

“The integration of technology with on-the-ground responses allowed them to track and apprehend suspects in real-time, leading to the confiscation of abalone, a valuable resource that would have otherwise been stolen from our natural environment. This bust represents the kind of proactive, intelligent policing that is crucial in the fight against poaching and other forms of organised crime,” the Minister said on Friday.

George said the arrest of a 22-year-old suspect, who is now in custody at Hout Bay Police Station, highlights government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the city’s natural resources and ensuring the safety and well-being of communities.

“We are also grateful to the officers who, despite facing unwarranted hostility from some members of the community, remained focused on their mission. Such acts of bravery and professionalism exemplify the standard of service we expect from our law enforcement teams.

“This operation, though successful, serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by illegal poaching in our coastal region. I hope this success will deter others from engaging in the illegal exploitation of our resources and will encourage all Cape Town residents to stand together in support of law enforcement efforts aimed at protecting their city,” George said. –SAnews.gov.za