By Staff Reporter
In an effort to boost the fight against wildlife crime, the Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Department is exploring proactive measures to address complexities related to bail applications for perpetrators, including those involved in abalone poaching.
The three-day Environmental Management Inspectorate executive seminar this week heard that the department was actively engaging with the National Prosecuting Authority and the SA Police Service through platforms like the National Biodiversity Investigators Forum (NBIF) to enhance opposition to bail, particularly for repeat offenders and foreign nationals with no fixed addresses.
The discussions focused on improving the quality of affidavits drafted by investigating officers to present stronger cases in court.
The department was also sharing best practice affidavits with investigators to ensure more effective bail opposition and was exploring options to secure funding for dedicated support to the police in these applications.
During the seminar, the NPA’s session on prosecuting environmental crime provided an opportunity to address bail-related issues, including those specific to abalone poaching cases, fostering direct engagement with stakeholders to refine the approach.
The department said in a statement that the seminar equipped inspectors and partners with the expertise to enforce regulations decisively, defend compliance notices and prosecute offenders effectively, including those threatening South Africa’s abalone stocks.
“For communities, this translates to thriving ecosystems, reduced pollution and protected resources that sustain livelihoods, particularly in coastal and vulnerable areas reliant on marine biodiversity. These efforts align with the National Development Plan and South Africa’s global sustainability commitments, securing a resilient future for all citizens.”
Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Dion George called on all South Africans to support this mission by reporting environmental violations and adopting sustainable practices.
The meeting that commenced on Earth Day, brought together officials from the department, SAPS, NPA , SA Revenue Service.
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