A successful anti-poaching, full-moon operation was executed by Port Alfred K9 Unit in collaboration with Kariega Anti-Poaching Unit and private security, resulting in the arrest of a 44-year-old man. The arrest followed hours of observation, a lengthy pursuit of suspects on foot, and a high-speed vehicle chase.
According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Marius McCarthy, during an operation that started on Thursday 10 July at 20:00, members conducted observation duties at Boknes Strand near Kenton-on-Sea when a white Toyota Corolla Verso was spotted dropping off groups of suspected poachers who entered the sea.
“When a group of men came out of the water hours later, members noticed that they were carrying bags whilst walking into a nearby residential area, where the members lost sight of them,” he said.
He added, “A thorough investigation led police to a nearby farm where bags containing abalone and diving equipment were found hidden in bushes. Another lengthy surveillance of the area where the bags were hidden was conducted until Friday 12 July at about 12:30, when police spotted the same white Toyota Corolla Verso entering the road to Boknes and loading the bags that were hidden.”
At a vehicle checkpoint that was immediately set up near the R72 National Road, the white Toyota Corolla ignored stop signs and bypassed the temporary roadblock, resulting in a high-speed vehicle chase. “During the chase, three passengers jumped out of the white Toyota Corolla and disappeared into nearby bushes just before the vehicle collided with another vehicle travelling on the R72 National Road towards Alexandria,” said McCarthy.
The driver of the white Toyota Corolla sustained minor injuries and was arrested for possession and transportation of abalone without a permit, drink-driving, and reckless and negligent driving.
“Abalone with an estimated street value of more than one hundred thousand rand (R129,381.00), a scale, four diving cylinders and a weight belt were found in the white Toyota Corolla and confiscated together with the vehicle since it was used in the commission of a crime.”
McCarthy added, “The occupants of the other vehicle involved in the accident were also injured and transported to hospital by ambulance.”
The suspect is due to appear before the Port Alfred Magistrates’ Court.
