The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has praised law enforcement agencies following the arrest of suspected poachers in Simon’s Town and Grabouw, warning that crimes against South Africa’s marine resources will face zero tolerance.
Two coordinated operations on 21 and 22 May 2026 led to major abalone seizures.
Illegally harvested abalone
In the first operation near Simon’s Town’s Partridge Point, authorities arrested suspects and confiscated 106 units of abalone.
A second operation, involving the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, CapeNature and Provincial Traffic, intercepted a vehicle allegedly transporting illegally harvested abalone near Grabouw.
The suspect attempted to flee before being stopped in Nomzamo near Gordon’s Bay, where the driver was arrested.
Authorities seized a total of 8 686 units of shucked abalone weighing 892.41kg, with an estimated street value exceeding R1.6 million.
Sends a strong message
Aucamp said the arrests send a strong message to poaching syndicates operating along South Africa’s coastline.
“I issue a stern warning to poachers and anyone contemplating poaching: zero tolerance will be given for these criminal activities,” he said.
He added that vehicles and vessels used in poaching operations would be seized, warning offenders they would face the full force of the law.
Commended efforts
The minister also commended the collaborative efforts between DFFE officials, SANParks Sea Rangers and K9 units, CapeNature, the City of Cape Town and Provincial Traffic authorities that led to the successful operations.
The suspects are expected to face charges related to illegal harvesting of marine resources, possession of illegally obtained abalone and other related offences.
Government has urged the public to report environmental crimes as efforts intensify to combat organised poaching networks and protect the country’s marine biodiversity.
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