A crime intelligence-driven operation by members of the Anti-Economic Crime Task Team and Counterfeit and Illicit Policing Team led to the arrest of a 38-year-old male on Monday, 21 September 2026 at 04:30 in Hout Bay.
The members followed up on information received and upon arrival at the identified address, they conducted a search of the premises which led to the discovery of a large quantity of lobsters, abalone, prawns, and lobster eggs with an estimated street value of R500 000-00 hidden in a big freezer sealed in different plastic bags.
Diving equipment and a scale were also found and confiscated. The suspect failed to give a valid reason for being in possession of the marine resources and he was arrested on charges of contravention of the Marine Living Resource Act.
Members of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Environment were called to the scene, and all the exhibits were counted and confirmed by them.
The suspect was arrested and detained at Hout Bay SAPS, and he will appear in the Wynberg Magistrates’ court once formally charged. #EnviroCrimes