Hout Bay police arrest man for illegal rock lobster trading
A 45-year-old man was detained at Hout Bay police, after being found with 192 rock lobsters.
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Hout Bay police are investigating a case of trading in rock lobster without a permit after law enforcement apprehended a 45-year-old man.
He was arrested on Sunday, September 28, after law enforcement marine unit officers received information, during a patrol, about a suspect trading in rock lobster.
The police confiscated 192 rock lobsters.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith said that the pilfering of marine resources was an ongoing problem and often linked to other illicit dealings.
"Our marine unit staff work closely with other agencies to police our coastline and the waters around Cape Town. I want to thank the members of the public who were involved in making these arrests happen.
"As we head into the warmer months, we’ll no doubt see an increase in poaching incidents, so I appeal to the public to blow the whistle on any suspected illegal activities.
"Also, do refrain from buying marine resources that have been illegally harvested – by doing so, you only compound the problem," he said.
Residents can report emergencies or criminal behaviour by phoning the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) on 021 480 7700 from their cellphone or 107 from a landline.