Seafood syndicate smashed! Five, aged 20 to 83, face music over illegal haul

Cape Town – Five suspects, including an 83-year-old man, were expected to appear in the Laaiplek Magistrate’s Court on Friday after being arrested for the illegal possession of West Coast rock lobster valued at more than R200,000.

In a statement, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said an early warning about red tide conditions at Elands Bay had been issued to the community on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

“An early warning of the red tide at Elands Bay was issued to the community on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, cautioning the public that arrests will follow should they be found to be in possession of lobsters,” the statement read.

In the early hours of Thursday morning, members attached to the West Coast District and other stakeholders were conducting cross-border operations when they encountered two speeding vehicles.

“On Thursday, 26 February 2026 at 02:15, members attached to the West Coast District and various other stakeholders were conducting cross border operations, when, whilst they were parked at a bridge in Elands Bay Road two vehicles drove at a high speed past them,” SAPS said.

Officers immediately gave chase. One of the vehicles turned off the road, prompting police to alert neighbouring stations to be on the lookout. The second vehicle was pursued but disappeared in heavy mist.

“While searching for the vehicle they found a Nissan LDV parked on the roadside in the direction of Laaiplek. The vehicle had one occupant, an elderly male aged 83, and he was immediately questioned. He informed the members his passengers ran away,” the statement said.

During a search of the vehicle, police discovered a police identity card belonging to a member stationed in the West Coast District. With the assistance of a private drone, officers located four additional suspects who had allegedly fled the scene.

“Inside the vehicle a total of 418 West Coast Rock Lobsters, one tail and an octopus with an estimated street value of R209 150.00 were found,” SAPS confirmed.

The five suspects, aged between 20 and 83, are due to appear in the Laaiplek Magistrate’s Court on charges of possession of lobsters without a permit. The Nissan LDV and the suspects’ cellphones were seized and booked as exhibits for further investigation.

In a separate incident on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, members attached to the Anti-Gang Unit were deployed in Hanover Park amid ongoing gang violence.

According to SAPS, officers received information about a firearm hidden at a premises in Surwood Walk, Hanover Park. “The information was followed up and a firearm and eight rounds of ammunition was found hidden in a dustbin,” the statement said.

The firearm and ammunition were handed in as exhibits at Philippi SAPS for further investigation and processing.