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
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