South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has commended the swift efforts of law enforcement agencies following the arrest of three men caught with 693 illegal abalone worth an estimated R200,000 in the Eastern Cape.
The operation, executed in the early hours of Wednesday, May 8, 2025, was a coordinated effort between Gonubie SAPS, East London Dog Unit, and the Green Scorpions, acting on intelligence of illegal diving activity at German Bay Beach.
According to police spokesperson Captain Hazel Mqala, surveillance began around 10pm on Tuesday. At approximately 3:30am, officers observed four men emerging from the sea carrying heavy bags. Upon noticing law enforcement, the suspects attempted to flee, dropping the bags in the process. Three were apprehended, while one managed to escape.
The recovered bags contained 693 units of abalone, a highly sought-after delicacy in the black market, which Mqala confirmed held a street value of around R200,000.
Minister George praised the operation, calling it a significant step in the ongoing war against marine poaching and environmental crime.
“This successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative law enforcement in combating the illegal harvesting and trade of marine resources,” said George. “Abalone poaching threatens not just our marine ecosystems but the economic stability of communities who depend on them.”
He reiterated government’s firm stance: “Such illegal activities will not be tolerated, and those responsible will face the full might of the law.”
George encouraged the public to continue working with law enforcement by sharing any information that could lead to further arrests, stating that “together, we can safeguard our environment for future generations.”media or WhatsApp broadcast?
