PE mom in court accused of illegally exporting shark, octopus

23 January 2014

GLAMOROUS suburban mother- of-three Sharmilla van Heerden cut a lonely figure in the dock yesterday when she appeared in the Port Elizabeth's Magistrate's Court in connection with illegally exporting more than 95 tons of shark and octopus, worth millions, to Australia.

The case is believed to be the first of its kind in the region.

Van Heerden, 36, of Gerdine Street, Summerstrand, who is believed to be from a prominent Port Elizabeth family, appeared calm when magistrate Abigail Beeton warned her to appear again in court tomorrow in connection with the eight charges dating back to 2011 and involving more than R7-million.

She and her husband, Marius, who run the popular Fisherman Fresh in the harbour, are well known in the fishing industry.

For the full story read The Herald, or get the complete newspaper, including comics, classifieds, crosswords and back editions in our e-Edition

Reader's Comments

Report Abuse Author: TheRef Date: 23 January 2014 14:01

I hope this ''Sharkster" is still in custody,the exploitation of our natural sea resources is getting dire,the region cannot take the masacare of our resources by these pirates!

Media Center

REELED IN: Fisherman Fresh chief executive Sharmilla van Heerden at court yesterday. Picture: BRIAN WITBOOI

View MoreTop Stories: News

Jo'burg malaria scare unfounded - NICD Cool ideas for relief when the heat is on Domestic spat ends in double shooting in J-Bay Bay bus system - what a costly shambles Oscar might cough up R3m to family Protester shot by police dies 'SA's youth an untapped asset, not a problem' Helenvale mob justice threat R60m plan to address school crisis New twist in bunny tale

News Categories

News Sport LifeStyle Letters World Jobs

Comment on this article via Facebook

The Herald Port Elizabeth - Inspired by Times Media Group

The Herald Port Elizabeth Digital Media & Marketing Association

Website development and design by Online Innovations