Cape Town - A tip-off to the City of Cape Town’s dedicated Informant Reward line has led to a significant abalone bust in Rondebosch.
Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith said the information was relayed to the Law Enforcement Marine and Environmental Unit, who alerted the SAPS and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment.
“Upon arrival, officers found a large quantity of abalone and equipment used to dry the marine resources.
“The abalone is still being counted and weighed. Confirmed totals will be released once available,” Smith said.
At least three suspects have been detained in connection with the find.
Smith said the continuous stripping of marine resources was of serious concern.
“This case is also the latest example of the important role that the tip-off line plays. We thank those members of the public who do their bit for crime prevention by phoning through the tips,” Smith said.
The City’s Safety and Security Directorate formulated the Informant Reward Policy in 2013.
The concept is that a reward is payable to any person who provides information that leads to an arrest or the successful confiscation or recovery of stolen goods or contraband.
Initially, the reward payable was R1 000, but it has since been increased up to R5 000.
Residents can report crime and by-law offences anonymously, 24 hours a day, on 0800 110077.
For more information about the Informant Reward System, visit: https://bit.ly/3RzSieU
Cape Times