Four arrested, R45 000 worth of abalone seized in Tsitsikamma

Four people have been arrested and abalone worth over R45 000 has been recovered in the Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area, along the Otter Trail.

SANParks received a tip-off about a group of nearly 20 suspected poachers operating in the area.

In a joint operation with Border Police and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, SANParks rangers arrested four suspects, including two illegal immigrants. They also recovered 204 units of abalone, weighing almost 30 kg.

SANParks spokesperson JP Louw said that two cases have been opened at the Plettenberg Bay Police Station, one for illegal immigration and another for abalone possession.

“On 05 February 2026, teams tracked the suspects to an area where they had been residing in Covie. The suspects attempted to flee when approached. A thorough and intensified search followed, which led to the apprehension of four suspects,” said Louw.