Abalone confiscated from a suspect tracked from Robben Island. Picture: Metro Police/City
Cape Town - A 22-year-old Hout Bay man is the latest abalone poacher arrested by Metro Police officers, thanks to drone technology, after he was followed from Robben Island.
The Robben Island Museum (RIM) Management and Council said they were involved in the integrated operation that led to the apprehension of the suspect and the recovery of 23 bags of abalone.
Mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said their teams were attacked by residents while leaving Hout Bay just after 4am on Thursday.
“Metro Police Officers attached to the Special Operations Unit made a significant bust in Hout Bay,” said Smith.
“At around 4am, the City’s Eye in the Sky spotted suspicious individuals near Robben Island.
“The suspect’s boat was followed to Hout Bay harbour, while officers on the ground responded and searched the area.
“They found 23 bags of abalone weighing just over 250 kilograms hidden between residential properties.
“A 22-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of abalone and detained at Hout Bay SAPS.
“As staff were leaving the area, some community members threw stones at one of the vehicles. This bust is the latest example of how we are using technology to extend our reach and track criminal activity that could otherwise have gone undetected.
“The Eye in the Sky’s capabilities allow authorities to track suspicious behaviour, identify heat signatures, and gather critical evidence in a wide range of scenarios.”
Professor Saths Cooper, chairperson of the RIM Council, said they worked in partnership to protect the island and its surrounding resources.
“The department deploys marine inspectors on the island to ensure that the island shoreline is protected from illegal activities,” said Cooper.
“The DFFE has informed the RIM Management of the successful anti-poaching operation and associated arrests. Robben Island’s shoreline is rich in marine living resources and abalone is one of the highly endangered South African marine species that has been, over many decades, targeted by poachers.”
The Cape Argus also spoke with a source close to the investigation who revealed that close to ten boats would hide near Robben Island and often get away if drone technology and monitoring was not in sight.
The Cape Argus also reached out to DFFE for comment but is yet to receive a response.
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