Cape Town — Members of the South African Police Services (SAPS) Cape Town K9 Unit arrested a Malawian national who was caught with abalone valued at R120 000.
In a statement, police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said members followed up on information regarding a white Toyota Corolla that was en route from Simon’s Town and transporting the illicit goods.
“The vehicle was spotted and stopped at Sunrise Circle in Muizenberg. They searched the vehicle and found 562 units of abalone with an estimated street value of R120 000,” Twigg said,
Police arrested a 22-year-old male for possession of abalone and will appear in the Muizenberg Magistrates’ court once he has been charged.
#sapsWC The vigilance of members of the Cape Town K9 Unit resulted in the arrest of a Malawian national when he was caught with abalone on Thursday morning in Muizenberg. Members found 562 units of abalone with an estimated street value of R120 000. NPhttps://t.co/ZxRtbNWS2h pic.twitter.com/5JJKY5BFUq
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) February 13, 2025
According to TimesLIVE, this latest arrest is part of a bigger crackdown operation on poaching, which has surged in criminal activity. Abalone in South Africa is only found along the coastline and is a valuable and vulnerable resource. It is rich in flavour and considered a delicacy in many parts of the world.
South Africa is the only country where the wild harvesting of abalone is prohibited, as the marine species is vital to the ecosystem.
As poaching continues to rise, authorities are ramping up efforts to combat the illegal trade, with operations such as those carried out by the Cape Town K9 unit playing a key role in safeguarding the species and local communities.
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Picture: X/@SAPoliceService
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
