Western Cape: The determination to address the unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition, drugs, and abalone was rewarded when police officers detained suspects in separate incidents.  

Police members of the West Coast led an integrated operation on Wednesday, February 19, in Saldanha Bay. The officers were strategically positioned in a bid to clamp down on poachers who are depleting marine resources. They approached three suspicious males who attempted to flee but were apprehended. A search of the suspects revealed 276 units of abalone in their possession. The three suspects, foreign nationals aged between 24 and 37, were detained for possessing abalone without a valid permit. They appeared in the Vredenburg court on the same day on the aforementioned charge.  

In an unrelated intervention, police pursued information and made their presence felt in Piketberg. They noticed a suspicious male who suddenly changed direction upon seeing the patrol vehicle. The officers gave chase on foot and apprehended the suspect, who had a haversack tied to his back. Upon searching him, they found ammunition, telescopes, and a hunting knife. The 18-year-old male, who appeared extremely nervous, was detained on charges of housebreaking and theft, as well as the unlawful possession of ammunition. He is expected to appear in the Piketberg Magistrates’ Court today.

Meanwhile, in the early hours of Thursday, Vredenburg police were conducting patrols when they noticed a stationary vehicle in Waterkant Street. The driver claimed he was repairing the vehicle, prompting officers to search both him and the vehicle. This led to the discovery of a bag containing two firearms, ammunition, and drugs. The 30-year-old man was detained for the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as the possession of drugs. Once charged, he is expected to appear in the Vredenburg Magistrates’ Court on the aforementioned charges.

Edited by: Anchen Coetzee
Submitted by: WO Swartbooi