Gqeberha Abalone Bust
By Mpho Moloi
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, apprehended two foreign nationals in Gqeberha for possession of abalone valued at over R4 million. The arrests occurred on Thursday following a tip-off about an illegal processing facility operating in Neave Township.
Details of the Operation
Acting on credible intelligence, the Hawks conducted a raid on a premises in Neave Township, where they discovered an illicit abalone processing plant. Upon entry, officers found the two suspects actively processing abalone. The facility was equipped with:
• 13 industrial fans used for drying the abalone.
• Eight gas tanks.
• A refrigerator.
• Three cell phones.
All equipment and the processed abalone were confiscated as evidence.
Legal Proceedings
The suspects are scheduled to appear in court on Monday, facing charges related to the contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998. This act governs the conservation of marine ecosystems and the sustainable use of marine living resources in South Africa.
Official Statement
Hawks spokesperson, Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, commended the investigative team for their swift action in uncovering the clandestine abalone plant and apprehending the suspects. Mhlakuvana emphasized the Hawks’ commitment to combating illegal activities that threaten marine life and the country’s natural resources.
The Illicit Abalone Trade in South Africa
Abalone, a marine mollusk highly prized in Asian markets, has been at the center of illegal poaching activities in South Africa for decades. The lucrative nature of the trade has led to the depletion of wild abalone populations, posing significant challenges to conservation efforts.
Recent Incidents
This recent bust is part of a series of operations targeting abalone poaching in the Eastern Cape region. In December 2024, a high-speed chase in Gqeberha led to the arrest of a suspect and the seizure of abalone worth R86,000.  Additionally, in November 2024, authorities recovered over R7 million worth of abalone in Bluewater Bay near Gqeberha, resulting in the arrest of four suspects. 
Environmental Impact
The rampant poaching of abalone has severe ecological consequences. Abalone plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. Overharvesting disrupts this balance, leading to the decline of other marine species and the degradation of coral reefs. Conservationists warn that if current poaching rates continue, South Africa’s wild abalone could face extinction within a decade. 
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