Poachers intercepted and arrested

Nine suspects arrested

SOUTH AFRICA: Nine suspects have been arrested for allegedly attempting to illegally harvest marine resources within the Robben Island Marine Protected Area in two separate incidents during the last week.

Commending the efforts of those involved, the Minister Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp has confirmed that the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) initiated these arrests during two separate incidents involving attempts to illegally harvest marine resources.

“I want to send a stern warning to poaching syndicates, that the senseless and untethered poaching and plundering of our natural resources will come to an end, whether they like it or not,” said Minister Aucamp. “We will continue to fight until we win the fight against poaching.”

In the first incident on Tuesday evening, two rubberducks carrying suspects approached the Robben Island Marine Protected Area and the DFFE officials responded immediately. To evade arrest, the suspects rammed their vessel into a departmental vessel, causing damage to both vessels. Fortunately, two suspects were apprehended and handed over to Table Bay SAPS for processing. The rubberduck used in the incident was recovered with assistance from South African National Parks (SANParks) and the National Sea Rescue Institute.

In the second incident on Thursday, officials were again alerted to the presence of two rubberducks approaching the Robben Island Marine Protected Area. A joint response by DFFE and SANParks resulted in the successful interception and arrest of seven suspects during the early hours of Friday morning.

“We have recently established a joint enforcement-based task team with other relevant stakeholders including Western Cape Province, City of Cape Town, South African Police Services and SANParks, to further intensify the fight against the illegal use of natural resources.”

No serious injuries were sustained by Department or SANParks officials during these two operations.

“The Department continues to collaborate with relevant authorities to strengthen enforcement operations and ensure the protection and sustainability of South Africa’s marine biodiversity,” said Minister Aucamp.

“In fact, we have recently established a joint enforcement-based task team with other relevant stakeholders including Western Cape Province, City of Cape Town, South African Police Services and SANParks, to further intensify the fight against the illegal use of natural resources.”

The Minister has urged all stakeholders, including citizens and community leadership, to join the fight by remaining vigilant and supporting ongoing efforts to combat the illegal exploitation of our marine resources.