Hout Bay man arrested
Police arrest suspect after raid in Hout Bay
Marine life worth R500 000 seized
CRIME SCENE: Hout Bay, Cape Town: A man has been arrested and illicit marine resources valued at R500 000 confiscated in a raid at a house.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) the Anti-Economic Crime Task Team and Counterfeit and Illicit Policing Team did a crime intelligence driven operation which led to the arrest of a 38-year-old man on Monday, 21 September 2026 at 04:30.
“A large quantity of lobsters, abalone, prawns and lobster eggs with an estimated street value of R500 000-00 hidden in a big freezer were found. Diving equipment and a scale were also found and confiscated.
“The suspect failed to give a valid reason for being in possession of the marine resources and was arrested on charges of contravention of the Marine Living Resource Act.
“The Department of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Environment were called to the scene, and all the exhibits were counted and confirmed by them,” said SAPS.
Man (69) from Hout Bay arrested
Drinking leads to crayfish bust
A 69-year-old man’s apparent love for alcohol has landed him behind bars.
According to the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement officers attached to the Marine Unit were busy patrolling the Hout Bay and Wynberg areas on Sunday 7 June 2026. While driving near Victoria hospital, they spotted people drinking in a parking area.
During a search of a white Mitsubishi they discovered 1 848 West Coast Rock Lobster tails and R17 600 in cash in the 69-year-old’s vehicle. The Hout Bay resident was arrested and detained at Wynberg police station.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said the incident highlights the audacity of lawbreakers in the city.
“How else does one explain openly breaking the law by consuming alcohol in public, knowing that you are in possession of contraband?,” Smith asked.
During weekly enforcement patrols, Law Enforcement officers made 199 arrests and issued 10 797 notices.
Metro Police officers made 166 arrests and issued 5 845 notices.
Traffic officers recorded 41 arrests, of which 34 were for driving under the influence of alcohol, four for reckless or negligent driving and three for other offences. They also issued 1 764 warrants of arrest and impounded 219 public transport vehicles.
The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1 439 calls for assistance over the weekend. Of the calls received, 87 were physical assault related cases, 35 domestic violence related cases and 43 pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents.