CAPE TOWN - FOUR people have been arrested for the illegal possession of West Coast rock lobster and abalone during Cape Town Traffic Service enforcement operations on the N2 on Thursday.
Cape Town Traffic Services’ Kevin Jacobs said at about 1.45pm, traffic officers stopped a white Mercedes-Benz on the N2 inbound at Macassar for a traffic-related offence.
On further inspection, traffic officers found over 200 crayfish in the vehicle.
“Three suspects were arrested for the Illegal possession of West Coast rock lobster and for transporting crayfish without a permit in the vehicle.
“The suspects were detained at Macassar SAPS,” Jacobs said.
Earlier that morning, during Cape Town Traffic Services enforcement operations on the N2 bus lane, a man was arrested for the unlawful possession of abalone.
“At 7.15am, a Datsun sedan was stopped on the N2 inbound at Jakes Gerwel, for driving in the bus lane.
“Two suspects, who immediately fled the scene on foot, abandoning their vehicle, were pursued by traffic officers.
“Upon further investigation traffic officers found 29 bags of abalone, containing 2 888 pieces of fresh abalone in the vehicle,” Jacobs said.
A 47-year-old suspect was arrested for the unlawful possession and transportation of abalone and was detained at Manenberg SAPS.
The search for the second suspect continues, Jacobs said.
Earlier this month, the SANParks Sea, Air and Mountain (SEAM) Team were conducting visible policing patrols in the Red Hill, Ocean View and Kommetjie areas and observed three divers on the coast line.
They proceeded to set up observation posts to monitor the activities of the divers.
“After some time the divers emerged from the water with full diving bags and attempted to hide the bags. The SEAM Team approached the divers and together with them recovered the bags they had hidden. The bags contained 66 whole West Coast rock lobster and 20 West Coast rock lobster tails.”
The three were arrested.
Cape Times