Cape Town – South African National Parks (SANParks) ranger teams recorded significant anti-poaching successes during recent coordinated operations across Table Mountain National Park (TMNP).
Narrating events that led to the arrests made by TMNP authorities, Spokesperson Peter Mbelengwa said: “On 23 April 2026, members of the SANParks K9 Unit, in collaboration with the Sea, Air, Mountain (SEAM) unit, conducted a targeted night operation in the southern section of the park”.
The operation focused on suspected abalone poacher camps and intelligence gathering between Smitswinkel and Black Rocks.
“K9 units tracked suspects during the patrols, resulting in the apprehension of three individuals,” said Mbelengwa.
“A fourth suspect who attempted to flee was swiftly caught by another member of the K9 unit.”
While transporting the initial suspects to the South African Police Service (SAPS), rangers identified and arrested two additional individuals linked to abalone poaching activities.
All suspects were arrested, poaching equipment was confiscated, and the individuals were handed over to SAPS for further processing.
In a separate incident at Lion’s Head, SANParks rangers and City Law Enforcement intercepted a suspect who was attempting to flee after stealing items from a parked vehicle.
The suspect was caught before he could flee the scene, and the stolen property was recovered.
The individual admitted to the theft and was handed over to SAPS.
Elsewhere, following a tip-off about suspected fynbos poaching on Devil’s Peak, the SANParks Operations Room coordinated a response, located the suspects, and directed rangers to the scene, leading to their successful apprehension.
SANParks stated that these operations demonstrate the continued vigilance and collaboration of enforcement teams in protecting visitors and conserving the park’s natural heritage.
