Confiscated abalone worth R16 million “missing”

As the country is reeling from Cash In Transit heists, it seems another form of heists is unfolding in the fishing industry. At least R16 million worth of confiscated abalone has been stolen from within the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in the past three years.

Minister Senzeni Zokwana was forced to make this admission in a Parliamentary reply this week. The wealth of the ocean, abalone is in high demand. It is sought after in the Middle East and Asia.

An abalone syndicate is on the loose and police are on high alert. It was stolen from within the Department and there are allegations that men in police uniform were spotted stealing it in recent months. Both houses of Parliament are demanding answers.

“We also believe it’s unacceptable that you have a situation where government controlled stock is being plundered by corrupt officials within the department,” said Chairperson of the Police Committee, Francious Beukman.

“The council calls upon the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to report to the select committee on land and mineral resources on the process and decisions on the aforesaid officials to return to work,” said DA’s Chris Hattingh.

Minister Senzeni Zokwana announced in his budget vote in May that confiscated fishing stock would no longer be stored inside the Department’s store rooms because of brazen theft. And it won’t not be auctioned off either.

Meanwhile, in an internal report, the Department’s Director for Monitoring and Surveillance, Nkosinathi Dana, fingers three senior officials, including a Deputy Director General, for the “illegal” release of abalone worth R7.5 million.

The Department has currently lost about three tons of dried abalone with an estimated value of R7.5 million.

The thieves tried to return the abalone at night to try and cover their tracks, but were caught out. The Hawks have confirmed that they are probing the matter.