News

Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) Marine Rangers in partnership with the City of Cape Town Marine Law Enforcement Unit conducted a joint sea patrol operation starting from January to-date in the Cape of Good Hope Section of TMNP, which lead to the arrest of 13 poachers in separate operations.

On Thursday, 14 January 2021, one poaching rubber duck was confiscated and booked in with the South African Police Services and a case of poaching was opened. The teams have been conducting daily sea patrols in the Marine Protected Areas of Table Mountain National Park to fight against poaching that threatens the Marine Resources.

A second arrest was made on Friday, 29 January following a successful joint operation conducted by the teams in Kommetjie. This resulted in five suspects being arrested and detained by the South African Police Services (SAPS) in Ocean View for being in possession of eighteen shucked abalone, one whole state abalone, Three West Coast Rock Lobster, and one West Coast Rock Lobster tail.

A third arrest was made on Wednesday, 3 February and four suspects were arrested for being in possession of Seven hundred and thirty (730) West Coast Rock Lobster tails and one Fishing Ski boat. All confiscated goods were booked in with the South African Police Service and a case of poaching has been opened.

“We really appreciate the assistance and support we are getting from the City of Cape Town Marine Law Enforcement Unit. Sharing of resources amongst law enforcement agencies is of paramount importance in tackling poaching more especially in identified poaching hotspots areas. Working together we can achieve more.” says Ezekiel Kosa, TMNP Marine Manager.

Issued By

South African National Parks (SANParks) Corporate Communications

Media Enquiries

Reynold “Rey” Thakhuli
SANParks Acting Head of Communications
073 373 4999
Email: [email protected]