Arrests in Hout Bay after poachers believed to be involved in protests

Three people have been arrested on arson charges after violent protests erupted at Hout Bay on the Cape Peninsula.

City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says a private residence and a storeroom near the harbour were set alight.

So Hout bay is burning because FCOS bust a group of poachers stealing crayfish with 1 poacher missing presumed dead after FCOs fired on the poaching duck. Fire has been set to the Seafreeze factory. This is community backed criminality. More jobs at risk. More loss of investment. pic.twitter.com/kHOh7b1TSc

— Feike (@Feikemanagement) August 12, 2018

Smith says accusations of poaching have been made: “The violence apparently involved persons who are attacking officials who are believed to be involved in poaching operations during which a member of the community was shot by the police. Their statements are unconfirmed and will presumably come to light during further investigation.”

#HoutBay what's the story? "Suspected poacher" Durick van Blerk [26] is missing. Alleged he was shot at by SAPS/Fisheries officials on Fri pm/Sat am. He fell overboard his boat & not seen since. Hangberg residents are angry, setting ? to buildings, DAFF official's home [P: CoCT] pic.twitter.com/wcC5by2Trv

— Rauby (@GraemeRauby) August 12, 2018