WEDNESDAY, 08 MARCH 2006: The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism together with the Scorpions have clamped down on a small holding between Stanford and Hermanus early this morning and confiscated 3 vehicles, approximately 3 tons of abalone, two alleged illegal firearms, and various drying equipment. This raid follows after information was received from members of the community. The vehicles and equipment are valued at R800 000-00. Five men were arrested, one is a Chinese national and the four others are from Gansbaai in the Western Cape. They are still in custody and are expected to appear in the Hermanus Environmental Court.

In a separate incident 1600 abalone and a vehicle were confiscated in Botriver yesterday. A woman was arrested.

In another incident off Llandudno on Monday afternoon 10 divers were effectively prevented from poaching when Ruth First, one of the environmental protection vessels, responded to a tip-off from the public and carried out an inspection in that area.

Ruth First then continued towards Leeugat in the Houtbay area and spotted poachers illegally catching West Coast Rock lobster. The inspectors deployed the inflatable boat and arrested two men. A boat, nets and 60 West Coast Rock Lobster were confiscated.

“These are indeed good stories and it should be a message to the wrongdoers that we now have firm, dedicated and determined South Africans who will clamp down on all illegal activities. Our advice to poachers is that they should better turn a new leaf and rather become friends of South Africans, as their unfortunate transgressions are against the interests of our children,” said JP Louw, Chief Director Communications, as he reflected on the developments.