Narend Singh Calls for Swift Prosecution in Major Abalone Poaching Case

Deputy Minister Singh commended the MCS Unit and SAPS for their vigilance and effective handling of the confiscated material.

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Narend Singh, has urged for the swift prosecution of a motorist found with 640kg of illegal dry abalone in Makhanda, Eastern Cape. This call follows a significant poaching incident involving 13,661 pieces of dry abalone.

On August 5, 2024, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment's Monitoring Control and Surveillance (MCS) Unit, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), uncovered the poached abalone during a stop-and-search operation in Makhanda. The abalone, stored in 27 black plastic bags, was confiscated, weighed, tagged, and transported to departmental storage facilities for further investigation.

Deputy Minister Singh commended the MCS Unit and SAPS for their vigilance and effective handling of the confiscated material. He emphasized the ongoing commitment to combat the illegal trade of marine resources through Operation Phakisa's Initiative 5 – Compliance and Enforcement.

Singh also highlighted the importance of community engagement, stating that departmental officials will enhance their efforts to educate young people about the sustainable use of marine resources. This includes increased participation in school awareness programs.

“I urge every South African to be vigilant and report any environmental crimes to the authorities. It is crucial that our communities work hand in hand with law enforcement agencies to protect our marine resources,” Singh said.

The Department remains dedicated to working with law enforcement and other stakeholders to address and mitigate the challenges posed by illegal marine resource activities.