Authorities have nabbed a total of 34 suspects in two incidents of abalone poaching.
On Wednesday morning, officers patrolling along Miller’s Point in Simon’s Town received a tip-off and caught ten suspects.
Law Enforcement spokesperson, Wayne Dyason, says over 600 units of abalone and diving equipment were impounded.
Meanwhile, at about the same time, 24 suspects were nabbed while allegedly poaching at Robben Island by SAPS and DAFF officials.
SEIZED: 600 units of perlemoen
At about 2am, while patrolling, officials spotted a number of boats speeding off, but 17 divers were left behind in the sea.
They are being charged for transgressing the Marine Living Resource Act and being in possession of prohibited gear in a listed area.
No abalone was found in their possession.
Officials then heard more suspects were hiding on the island and searched Murray’s Bay where they caught seven suspects hiding between the rocks still dressed in diving gear.
The 24 suspects, aged 21 to 50, are from Hermanus, Hout Bay, Kleinmond and Grassy Park and appeared in court on Wednesday.