Another week, another crayfish bust

15 June 2026

The Law Enforcement Marine Unit were led to an illegal haul of West Coast Rock Lobster tails at the Old Woodstock Hospital on Sunday, 14 June. It comes just a week after Law Enforcement officers recovered nearly 2 000 tails during a bust in Wynberg.

In the past week, the City’s enforcement agencies made 386 arrests. They also issued 64 664 notices for various traffic and by-law transgressions.

Law Enforcement officers made 236 arrests and issued 13 409 notices.

In one of the latest incidents on Sunday, 14 June, officers on patrol in Woodstock were approached by a person who tipped them off about the illegal sale of lobster tails at the Old Woodstock Hospital site.

Officers responded, and upon enquiry, found the suspect. The 33-year-old was arrested and detained at Woodstock SAPS. Officers recovered 973 tails that were handed over as evidence.

‘On further investigation, it was found that the suspect has gang ties, so this was likely more than just a side hustle, but rather a means to finance other illegal activities. The plundering of marine resources is an ongoing challenge, as we witnessed just a week ago when a by-law transgression led officers to another massive haul of lobster tails. To the member of the public who made the decision to blow the whistle in this latest incident – thank you. Individuals and communities who are willing to step forward and speak out are critical to our crime-fighting efforts,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

In another notable Law Enforcement success, LEAP officers on patrol in Nyanga East arrested a 35-year-old suspect on Saturday morning, 13 June for the possession of an Uzi sub-machine gun and a 9mm pistol.

Metro Police officers made 109 arrests, including 31 for drunk driving.

Officers also recovered three firearms, an imitation firearm, various quantities of drugs and nine hijacked and/or stolen vehicles.

On the roads, the City’s Traffic Officers arrested 41 suspects – 31 for driving under the influence of alcohol, seven for reckless and negligent driving and three more on various other charges.

Officers recorded 43 171 offences, impounded 136 public transport vehicles and executed 1 145 warrants of arrest.

The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1 207 incidents over the weekend – 481 were medical in nature; 279 were by-law offences and 123 were traffic-related complaints.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office