11 alleged abalone poachers and smugglers arrested in WC – SABC News
Fisheries Minister Dion George has welcomed the arrest of alleged abalone poachers and smugglers in two separate incidents in the Western Cape this week.
Police intercepted a truck near Rawsonville in the Boland on Monday and seized dried abalone worth R5-million. Two people were arrested.
A day later, nine suspected poachers were nabbed near Robben Island during a joint operation between the department, the police and other law enforcement agencies.
George says a police drone was used to arrest the suspects.
Police recovered diving equipment and gear.
#sapsWC Intell driven op between #SAPS Breederiver #K9unit and Sea Fisheries led to the seizure of #abalone during a stop and search at the weighbridge on the N1 in Rawsonville on Monday afternoon, 22/09.
Over 13 000 units of abalone with an estimate value of R3,3 MIL seized. An… pic.twitter.com/omD7h8AHqj
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) September 23, 2025