Hawston – More than 1 400 West Coast Rock Lobster (WCRL) with an estimated value of R718 000 were seized during a joint operation in Hawston in the early hours of 12 October 2026.
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The Operation
The operation, conducted by members of the Overstrand Municipality K9 Unit, Hermanus SAPS and CapeNature, followed information received regarding the harvesting of West Coast Rock Lobster outside the official harvesting season, during which all harvesting is prohibited.
While responding to the area, officials observed a white single-cab bakkie transporting crayfish. Upon noticing the enforcement team, the driver fled into a side street, dumping several bags before escaping the scene.
Recovery Made
A search of the area led to the recovery of 1 436 West Coast Rock Lobster units, comprising:
- 28 whole West Coast Rock Lobsters
- 1 153 West Coast Rock Lobster tails
- 255 West Coast Rock Lobster tails in berry (egg-carrying females)
Enquiry Docket
The investigation further identified two white Toyota Hilux bakkies bearing CEM number plates, as well as the fishing vessel Luna Scott, as instruments allegedly used in the commission of the offence.
An enquiry docket has been opened and all exhibits have been booked into the SAP 13 register at Hermanus SAPS. Further investigations are underway.
Residents are urged not to purchase unlawfully harvested marine products and to report any suspected poaching activities to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) or SAPS.
Ammunition Found
In a separate intelligence-driven operation conducted in Hermanus, members of the Overstrand Municipality Law Enforcement Unit found ammunition from a vehicle believed to have been used in a robbery.
Through good teamwork and coordinated action, a suspect was arrested. In addition to these operations, the Overstrand Municipality K9 Unit conducted patrols along the R43 and in Mount Pleasant, Schulphoek, Zwelihle, Westcliff, Hermanus CBD, Vermont and Hawston as part of ongoing crime prevention and law enforcement efforts across the municipal area.
Source and References
Also read: Overstrand Law Enforcement intensifies crime prevention operations
