THREE men are expected to appear at the Plettenberg Bay magistrate’s court on Friday after a joint law enforcement bust saw abalone worth R750 000 confiscated.
The joint operation by the Bitou Municipality’s Law Enforcement unit, SAPS’ Sea Border unit and Rural Flying Squad, members of the South African National Parks and local security companies descended on a scene where an alleged abalone poaching operation was taking place.
In a statement, the municipality said the incident happened at Forest Hall, The Grags, shortly after 9pm on Wednesday. Officials were acting on a tip-off from the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association.
“They found a large group of divers on the scene who who were acting suspiciously. Three suspects were arrested for having abalone worth more than R750 000 following a search operation,” read the statement.
“A criminal case has been opened and the suspects remains in custody.”
Southern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Chris Spies, said diving equipment and 2 973 units of abalone were confiscated at the scene.
Three suspects, aged 25, 32 and 36 were detained and are expected to appear at the Plettenberg Bay Magistrates Court on Friday on charges of the illegal possession of abalone.
According to police, the confiscated abalone was handed over to inspectors from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for safekeeping and disposal.