Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Western Cape

WESTERN CAPE - An integrated operation involving the SAPS Drone Unit, SAPS Divers, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, and other law enforcement agencies resulted in the arrest of nine suspects, aged between 20 and 35, on Tuesday morning near Robben Island.

Faced with challenging circumstances, the SAPS Drone Unit was called in to support the operation. A drone was deployed from one of the vessels and, working in conjunction with the divers, played a key role in tracking and apprehending the suspects, as well as in the recovery of poaching equipment.

The suspects are facing charges under the Maritime Act and are scheduled to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

Ends

Enquiries:
Sergeant Wesley Twigg
082 379 0034

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