Article re-cap
- A man and a woman were arrested along Clarence Drive in Gordon's Bay after 743 units of abalone were found in their vehicle on 24 June 2026.
- Both suspects were charged under the Marine Living Resources Act and the abalone was seized for evidential purposes.
- A separate Manenberg operation on 20 June 2026 led to the arrest of a man found in possession of 720 West Coast rock lobster tails without a permit and in a form not permitted by law.
- The public can report marine-related crimes on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline, with a reward of up to R5,000 available for useful tip-offs.
Law enforcement authorities seized 743 abalone and 720 West Coast rock lobster tails in two separate operations targeting illegal marine resource harvesting across the Western Cape; this action aims to protect valuable fisheries.
Two significant arrests were made by Cape Town law enforcement authorities regarding marine resource protection. According to Law Enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason, the City of Cape Town's Marine and Environmental Unit, alongside the South African Police Service (SAPS) Gordon's Bay and GBSEC Armed Response, intercepted a vehicle carrying a male and female suspect along Clarence Drive in Gordon's Bay on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. Officers stopped and searched the vehicle and discovered 743 units of abalone believed to have been unlawfully harvested and transported. A male and female suspect were arrested at the scene and charged under the Marine Living Resources Act. The abalone was seized for evidential purposes. Dyason stated that this operation followed intelligence regarding suspected illegal abalone transport.
In a separate operation on Saturday, 20 June 2026, Marine and Environmental Unit officers acted on information about illegal West Coast rock lobster sales at a property in Sherwood Park, Manenberg. Officers gained access to the premises and discovered 720 West Coast rock lobster tails. The man at the property was unable to provide any documentation proving legal possession and was subsequently arrested. He was charged under the Marine Living Resources Act for possession of West Coast rock lobster without a permit and for possession of lobster tails not in whole form. Dyason emphasized the ongoing importance of community involvement in combating marine crime.
Members of the public are encouraged to report marine-related crimes by calling 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline. The City of Cape Town offers a reward of up to R5,000 for information leading to successful enforcement action.
SAPS, City of Cape Town’s Marine and Environmental Unit, GBSEC Armed Response
Frequently asked questions
How many suspects were arrested in the Gordon's Bay abalone operation?
Two suspects, a man and a woman, were arrested along Clarence Drive in Gordon's Bay on 24 June 2026.
What charges were laid against the suspects in both operations?
All suspects were charged under the Marine Living Resources Act. The Manenberg suspect faced specific charges for possession of West Coast rock lobster without a permit and for possession of lobster tails not in whole form.
How can members of the public report illegal marine activities in Cape Town?
The public can call 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline. A reward of up to R5,000 is available for information leading to successful enforcement action.
Source: smilefm.co.za, bolanderlifestyle.co.za, vocfm.co.za, vukaninews.co.za, iol.co.za
