Law enforcement personnel attending an accident scene around 06:30 on the N1 in Laingsburg were surprised when they found an overturned Toyota quantum containing 70 bags of abalone.
When the Provincial Traffic officers arrived on the scene they informed the police about the accident. On the scene they found a Toyota quantum lying on the left side of the road on the N1, with no occupants in the vehicle. On further inspection they found a number of plastic bags filled with abalone inside the vehicle, and it was also established that the driver and a passenger had fled the scene.
The estimated street value of the abalone is R145 000-00 and it was later handed over to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Toyota quantum was seized by SAPS. Further police investigation also revealed that the Toyota quantum was reported stolen in the Khayelitsha area.
Criminal cases of possession of abalone and transporting undocumented abalone were opened by Laingsburg police. As the investigation continues more charges will be added.
The suspects are still at large and the cause of the accident will be investigated.
