CRIME SCENE: Hawston, Overberg: Law enforcement officials this week pounced on alleged poachers and seized  more than 1400 West Coast Rock Lobster worth over R700 000.

Edward Jantjies, the Overstrand Acting Municipal Manager, said the operation, conducted by members of the Overstrand Municipality K9 Unit, Hermanus SAPS and CapeNature, in Hawston in the early hours of 12 October 2026.

It followed information received regarding the harvesting of West Coast Rock Lobster outside the official harvesting season, during which all harvesting is prohibited.

“While responding, 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.

“A search of the area led to the recovery of 1 436 West Coast Rock Lobster units. 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,” said Jantjies.

An enquiry docket has been opened and all exhibits have been booked 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 the South African Police Service (SAPS).

HERMANUS: In a separate intelligence-driven operation conducted in Hermanus, members of the Overstrand Law Enforcement Unit found ammunition in 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 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,” said Jantjies.