News

Two men suspected of being abalone poachers were arrested on Friday morning, 26 March 2021, in Gifkommetjie in the Cape of Good Hope Section of Table Mountain National Park being in possession of West Coast Rock Lobster without a permit.

One black rubber duck including one x 200 Hose Power engine was confiscated during the arrest and the items were booked with the South African Police Services. A case of poaching has been opened with the SAPS, said TMNP Park Manager Frans van Rooyen.

According to van Rooyen, this follows on successful arrests of 88 suspected poachers since the beginning of the year and this brings to 90 suspects being arrested to date.

He said TMNP together with its law enforcement partners in the SAPS, City of Cape Town and other agencies are working together to fight the scourge of abalone poaching. “The teams have been conducting daily sea patrols in the Marine Protected Areas of TMNP to fight against poaching that threatens the Marine Resources.”

“We really appreciate the assistance and support we are getting from the City of Cape Town Marine Law Enforcement Unit and SAPS. I would also like to thank the TMNP rangers for a spectacular job well done”, concluded van Rooyen.

Issued By

South African National Parks (SANParks)

Media Enquiries

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