Marine and Environmental Unit law enforcement officers have arrested several suspects in a series of operations targeting the illegal possession and trade of West Coast Rock Lobster in Cape Town.
In the first incident, a 33-year-old suspect from Bonteheuwel was arrested for being in possession of 91 West Coast Rock Lobster tails without a permit and for not keeping them in a whole state, as required under the Marine Living Resources Act.
City of Cape Town Law Enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason said Marine and Environmental Unit officers were conducting patrols in the Bishop Lavis area on Saturday afternoon when they acted on intelligence.
“At about 14h30, while conducting surveillance at a house suspected of selling fish, officers proceeded to the identified address and enquired whether any fish was being sold at the residence and whether there were any invoices for the fish on the property. The officers found two bags containing West Coast Rock Lobster tails, for which the owner could not produce a receipt,” Dyason said.
In a second incident, officers stopped a vehicle in the Parow industrial area after noticing suspicious behaviour. Upon searching the bakkie, officers discovered a bucket filled with West Coast Rock Lobster tails.
The 41-year-old driver and his 39-year-old passenger, both from Ravensmead, were arrested and charged at Ravensmead SAPS for possession of 1,000 West Coast Rock Lobster tails without a permit. The vehicle was also impounded, along with a firearm and 16 rounds of ammunition.
In a separate operation on Sunday, Marine and Environmental Unit members conducted surveillance at a house in Hanover Park where lobster tails were allegedly being sold illegally.
Dyason said officers, supported by the SANDF, entered the premises after observing suspicious activity.
“Upon entering the premises, a male confronted them and was asked what was being sold. He replied that only fish was being sold. Officers then requested permission to search the fridges and found bags containing West Coast Rock Lobster tails,” he said.
The 48-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with possession of 3,747 West Coast Rock Lobster tails and 10 whole rock lobsters without a permit, in contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act.
He was taken to Philippi SAPS.
VOC News
Photos: Supplied
