15 February 2008
In the late hours of Wednesday night and in the early hours of Thursday morning, an integrated search was conducted between SAPS and the Marine Coastal Management. According to Inspector Bernadine Steyn, the operation followed after intensive investigations were conducted into abalone poaching, especially in the Robben Island area.
“In the first incident two men were arrested in Hout Bay this morning (Thursday). During observation in the harbour by SAPS and Marine Coastal Management, a boat with three occupants came a shore. As the boat was about to be pulled out of the water by a silver Mazda Drifter bakkie, they were approached by officials and the boat was inspected,” explains Steyn.
She goes on to say that the skipper- from Gans Bay- was arrested for contravening the Merchant Shipping Act and the boat was confiscated. The driver of the bakkie, allegedly from Hawston, was arrested for an outstanding warrant of arrest for dealing in abalone. Both are
expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court soon.“The operation was extended to Robben Island, where a boat was found in the one nautical mile area from the island. The boat was searched, and three men were arrested. During further observation, twelve divers were spotted in the sea,” says Steyn.
She adds that these men ended up on Robben Island where they hid from officials. SAPS, Marine and Coastal Management and Robben Island security officials launched a search and all twelve divers were arrested. The boat and the bag, containing 77 abalone were confiscated.
“The fifteen suspects- aged between 23 and 37 years from Hawston- are expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates court soon. They will face charges of contravening the Marine Living Resources Act,” adds Steyn.
No comments:
Post a Comment