Three Chinese nationals who were arrested after squid worth R48-million was found aboard their vessels have appeared in the East London Magistrates’ Court.
The trio face charges of contravening the Marine Living Resources Act.
Baohua Qi‚ 39‚ Jianbo Yu‚ 46‚ and Dianxin Jiang‚ 57‚ were arrested by the Hawks after their three vessels – the FU. YUAN. YU. 7881‚ the RUN. DA. 617 and the FU.YUAN. YU. 7880 — were spotted navigating illegally along the East London coast last week.
“When the officers from the South African Navy and the Department of Agriculture‚ Forestry and Fisheries searched the three vessels they found the captains to be in illegal possession of squid worth over R48-million‚ as well as fishing products and equipment without permit‚” said Major Robert Netshiunda from the Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigation.
They also face a charge of failing to comply with an instruction from the Fishery control officer to stop their boats for inspection.
The men were released on warning on Wednesday‚ on condition that they remain in their boats. The case was postponed to June 15 for further investigation.