The efforts of enforcement officials from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the South African Police Service (SAPS), the City of Cape Town Marine Unit, and other enforcement agencies disrupted a large-scale illegal abalone poaching operation on Monday and Tuesday.

On 22 September, DFFE Fishery Control Officers together with the other law enforcement officers intercepted a truck with dried abalone near Rawsonville in the Western Cape.

The truck was transporting 13 341 dried abalone with a weight of approximately 840 kilograms with an estimated value of R5 million.

A day later, law enforcement officers discovered an abalone poaching operation, which involved approximately 20 divers.

Despite the difficulties posed by rough terrain and the strategic concealment tactics used by the divers, enforcement teams were assisted by the SAPS drone unit and managed to apprehend nine suspects and recover diving equipment and gear.

“These arrests, and other recent ones, are indicative of our ongoing conservation efforts supported by stronger, tactical law enforcement.

“Criminal syndicates must know that South Africans do not tolerate lawlessness and the misuse of our natural assets – those who exploit our natural resources will face the full consequences of the law,” the Minister said on Thursday.

George has called on the public to join hands in the fight against illegal activity by reporting any suspicious activities to the relevant DFFE authorities on 086 111 2468 | cscenquries@dffe.gov.za or any other law enforcement authority.

“I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to every officer and partner involved in these operations. Their hard work and sacrifice are crucial in safeguarding South Africa’s marine biodiversity,” he said.

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“The body of an alleged poacher was found in the Kruger National Park on 12 July 2025 at about 8:30 am and it is suspected that he could have been shot during a shootout with Field Rangers the previous night, 11 July [Thursday] 2025 at around 9pm, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.

The discovery was made after three field rangers who were on patrol on Thursday night, came cross three suspected poachers. The rangers ordered the trio to stop, but the suspected poachers responded by opening fire at the rangers who shot back.

“The alleged poachers are said to have ran further into the dark, and due to poor light, the rangers abandoned their pursuit then returned to the camp.

“The next morning, the rangers returned to the scene to further conduct the search for the alleged poachers whilst patrolling the surrounding areas. It was during this time when they discovered the lifeless body of a male person with gunshot wound at the Lower Sabie region of the park, laying on the ground,” said the police.

A backpack was found next to the body of the deceased.

“The police from Skukuza as well as other role players were immediately notified, and the man was certified dead by the paramedics at the scene. Inside the backpack, two rhino horns were found. An investigation is underway meanwhile the man has not yet been identified,” said the SAPS in a statement on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the other two suspected poachers are still at large.

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South African National Parks (SANParks) spokesperson JP Louw said the first incident took place on 14 June.

“On Friday, just before dark, rangers made contact with a group of suspected rhino poachers who were armed with a high calibre rifle, an axe and other poaching equipment. One of the suspects was fatally wounded on contact while the others escaped. A rifle and ammunition were recovered at the scene.”

On 18 June, rangers encountered another armed group of suspected rhino poachers.

“During the contact, three of the suspects were fatally wounded and a heavy calibre hunting rifle, ammunition and other poaching equipment were seized. Both incidents are currently being investigated by the South African Police Service (SAPS) while the field rangers are receiving counselling,” said Louw.

Louw said the two incidents highlighted the dangerous conditions rangers operate under.

“It particularly demonstrates the threats they face against suspected poachers. Incursions on the Eastern boundary are still relentless and the anti-poaching units have been under a lot of pressure as it addresses these.”

“SANParks is also exploring numerous interventions which includes community mobilisation and support to push back against the threats poaching presents.”

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