In a significant breakthrough on Wednesday ,26 March 2025, members of Walmer South African Police Service (SAPS), successfully recovered dried abalone and drying equipment worth an estimated amount R15 million during an intelligence driven operation in Walmer, Gqeberha.
The members of the SAPS executed a search warrant which led to the recovery of 18 464 units of dried Abalone and drying equipment hidden in a storage facility in Walmer.
A Chinese national was found at the premises and he was charged and arrested for contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act 18/1998 Regulation 36(1) per 2.4 and illegal fish establishment. The suspect is remanded in custody and will appear in court this week.
Authorities are working to trace the supply chain and identify those involved in the smuggling syndicate.
“This successful operation underscores SAPS’s commitment to combating the illegal harvesting and trafficking of marine resources, which threatens both the economy and biodiversity. We commend the dedication of our officers and partner agencies in disrupting this criminal network. Investigations are ongoing, and we urge the public to report any suspicious activities related to abalone poaching,” Major General Zithulele Dladla, Acting Provincial Commissioner of Eastern Cape.
Abalone poaching remains a serious concern in South Africa, with syndicates exploiting marine resources for illegal trade, often linked to international markets. SAPS continues to intensify efforts to curb wildlife and marine crimes through targeted operations. SAPS appeals to the communities to report suspicious activities related to marine poaching including the unusual movements of trucks and boats at odd hours, suspicious storage facilities in residential or industrial areas as well as unknown individual offering large sums of money for abalone.
Anonymous tipoffs can be communicated via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or reported on the MySAPS App. All information is confidential and callers may remain anonymous.
