The poaching endeavours of nine suspected poachers along Cape Town waters were scuppered thanks to police drone technology on 23 September.
A collaborative investigation between the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, the SAPS Drone Unit, and SAPS Divers halted a planned poaching operation near Robben Island.
According to a police statement, drone technology was requested because tracking the suspects would have otherwise proven challenging.
“A drone was deployed from one of the vessels and, working in conjunction with the divers, played a key role in tracking and apprehending the suspects,” said police.
On searching the vessel, poaching equipment was discovered, suggesting the nine suspects’ intention was poaching.
The nine suspects were arrested for contravening the Maritime Act.
They are expected to appear before the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Thursday,
Poachers busted for poaching abalone worth millions of rands
In another coup, police arrested a man and woman in possession of abalone valued at R3.3 million on 22 September in Rawsonville, Breede River Valley.
According to a SAPS statement, the arrests follow a collaborative investigation between the Breederiver K9 Unit and Sea Fisheries.
Police were on the lookout for a truck transporting abalone following a tip-off. The vehicle was spotted along the N1 near Rawsonville heading towards Cape Town.
“The members stopped the truck at the weighbridge on the N1, Rawsonville. A search ensued and [police] found 13,341 units of abalone with an estimated value of R3,3 million,” stated police.
The duo was arrested on charges of possession of abalone.
They are expected to appear before the Worcester Magistrate’s Court this week.
