A multi-agency operation culminated in the arrest of nine suspects on Tuesday morning in the waters near Robben Island. The successful operation involved the South African Police Service (SAPS) Drone Unit, SAPS Divers, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), and other law enforcement partners.
Faced with challenging operational circumstances, authorities called in the specialized support of the SAPS Drone Unit. A drone was launched directly from one of the pursuit vessels, providing critical aerial surveillance. The technology worked in close conjunction with police divers, playing a pivotal role in tracking the suspects, facilitating their apprehension, and assisting in the recovery of illegal poaching equipment.
The nine suspects, whose ages range from 20 to 35, are now facing charges under the Maritime Act. They are scheduled to make their first appearance in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 25 September 2025.
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