Neptune brings in big catch

2003-10-22 18:40

Cape Town - Operation Neptune officials confiscated 1 289 perlemoen worth about R100 000 and confiscated two vehicles after the occupants ran away following a chase in Gansbaai near Hermanus early on Wednesday.

Police spokesperson Inspector Eben Groenewald said police had spotted a seven-metre inflatable boat which was being towed by a Nissan Safari to the Kleinbaai harbour near Gansbaai late on Tuesday night.

The inflatable boat was launched and returned to the harbour around 03:00 on Wednesday. Bags of perlemoen were then loaded onto a Nissan Hardbody bakkie.

When police approached them, the inflatable boat raced out to sea and the two vehicles sped off in the direction of Gansbaai. Both vehicles and the perlemoen haul were seized in Blompark after the drivers and passengers had run away.

Groenewald said the boat and the two vehicles were owned by a known Blompark poaching kingpin. Several charges were being investigated.

Also on Tuesday officials seized a nine-metre inflatable boat fitted with two 200hp outboard motors, a trailer as well as a Toyota Landcruiser in the Gansbaai harbour after finding pieces of perlemoen on board.

Diving equipment including scuba gear, found on the boat was also seized.

Groenewald said the 38-year-old skipper of the boat was arrested and later released pending the outcome of forensic tests on the boat.

- SAPA