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24 November 2020

Media Release: SANParks Table Mountain National Park arrests 13 suspects

South African National Parks (SANParks) today announced an encouraging development in the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) 2020 anti-crime and poaching operations.

The TMNP Park Manager, Mr Frans van Rooyen congratulated rangers and stakeholders who managed to arrest and detain 13 suspected poachers in the past week of November 2020. This according to Van Rooyen who said the first group of five (5) poachers were arrested on Thursday, 19th of November 2020, in the Kommetjie area following a joint operation between TMNP rangers together with the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement officials. Thirteen (13) units of abandoned abalone (amount undisclosed), and 10 west coast rock lobster, along with diving gear was confiscated during the operation.

He said the second group of three suspects were arrested in the Hout Bay area on Friday, 20th of November 2020, as a result of a joint crime prevention operation between the South African Police Services (SAPS) sea border and diving unit, and the SANParks Environment Crime Investigation (ECI) unit. The suspects were found in possession of 86 abalone of an undisclosed amount, and diving gear which was confiscated.

Lastly, following another joint operation patrol along Platboom, just north of the Cape of Good Hope Road, on Saturday 21st of November 2020, rangers from the TMNP and the ECI apprehended 5 poachers in possession of 38 units of abalone.

“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 and we thank you for your dedication, obedience and tenacity and we wish you a successful festive season ahead,” concluded Van Rooyen.

All suspects have been handed over to the SAPS for further investigation and will be appearing in court in due course.

Issued By

South African National Parks (SANParks) Cape Region Communications

Media Enquiries

Lauren Howard-Clayton
Regional Communications Manager
Email: [email protected]
Landline: 021 659 1700