Twenty Four suspects are expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates Court on Thursday following their arrest for alleged abalone poaching at Robben Island.
Spokesperson Siyabulela Malo says members acted on a tip-off about possible abalone poaching at Robben Island on Tuesday and immediately started patrolling the waters around the Island.
He says members spotted several boats which sped off when they became aware of a police presence and several divers were left behind at sea.
Malo says all relevant roleplayers were activated to search for the divers and 17 were arrested for transgressing the Marine Living Resource Act.
He says no abalone was found in their possession.
On Wednesday afternoon police were informed that more suspects were hiding on the island and received info of a vessel that was preparing to fetch them.
Malo says members conducted a further search at Robben Island Murray's Bay and arrested another seven suspects who were found hiding between the rocks outside the harbour wall, still dressed in their diving gear.
All 24 suspects aged between 21 and 50 will appear in court on Thursday.
The men are from Hermanus, Hout Bay, Kleinmond, and Grassy Park.
