Media Statement from Western Cape Media Centre
Corporate Communication
South African Police Service

Western Cape: On 5 September 2015 an operation between Sea Border SAPS, Melkbosstrand Neighbourhood Watch and SAPS Melkbosstrand resulted in the recovery of 1 518 shucked abalone.

A group of divers were observed carrying and dragging bags along the beach on the high water mark direction towards the Zoute River Mount in Melkbosstrand. After hours of being monitored, the poachers buried the bags and walked off towards Koeberg Power Station where they climbed the fence and crossed the nature reserve. The Law enforcement authority, continued to keep an eye on the area where the bags were buried hoping they would return to collect the bags. After hours of observing, authorities decided to hand in the bags as abandoned; they handed them over to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.  Although none of the poachers were apprehended, taking away the abalone deters their efforts in the long run. 

Operation Fiela:  Friday 4 September2015 from 16:45 to 20:00:

On 4 September 2015, Milnerton SAPS together with Metro, Law Enforcement, Traffic and Neighbourhood Watch members conducted Operation “Fiela” from 16:45 till 20:00 in Du Noon. 

The following successes were achieved:

•  One foot patrol was conducted
• Two houses were searched
• 17 people were searched
• 70 vehicles were stopped at a vehicle check point at the first entrance to Du Noon 
•  A total of 39 fines, to the value of R43 700, 00, were issued
•  One arrest for selling of liquor without a licence
• One arrest for possession of Dagga.

The Milnerton Cluster achieved the following successes for the week:

• 45 Houses were searched for drugs and the 60 arrests were made
•  56.78 grams of Tik and 510 grams of Dagga were confiscated
• One  stolen vehicle was recovered in the Cluster
• 11 Operations were held on illegal shebeens and 206L of alcohol was confiscated
• Three second hand goods premises were visited to ensure they comply with all regulations regarding the Second Hand Goods Act
• Seven tracing operations were held and 15 suspects were arrested that were wanted on various crimes
• A total of 495 Spaza shops were visited throughout the Cluster
• 20 arrests were made for crimes against women and children
• Two arrests were made for the possession of an unlicensed firearm
• Three arrests were made for the possession of counterfeit goods

Management applaud all members who contributed to the successes of the Cluster.

Media enquiries: Captain FC Van Wyk- 082 302 9906 wcmedia@saps.org.za

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