Drinking in Public Leads to Crayfish Arrest

Published on

10 June 2026

West coast lobster seized and arrest made

A 69-year-old Hout Bay resident was arrested after Law Enforcement officers uncovered 1,848 West Coast rock lobster tails and more than R17 000 during a patrol in the Hout Bay and Wynberg area.

The City says officers from the Marine Unit were on duty when they noticed people drinking in public in a parking area near Victoria Hospital. The officers intervened and searched a white Mitsubishi vehicle.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith confirmed that during the search, they discovered the large consignment of crayfish, along with R17 600 in cash.

“This incident highlights the audacity of so many lawbreakers in our city who remain convinced that they will not be caught. How else does one explain openly breaking the law by consuming alcohol in public, knowing that you are in possession of contraband?”

The suspect was arrested at the scene and detained at the Wynberg police station.

Loushe Jordaan-Gilbert

Loushé Jordaan Gilbert has been telling community stories since 2014. She began her career as a community journalist, dedicated to amplifying local voices and shedding light on the everyday realities communities face.