Vigilant Bityi SAPS members on patrol, recovered abalone worth R134 950. 00 and confiscated a Toyota Quantum belonging to a vehicle rental company at Ndibela location, Bityi near Mthatha at about 07:00, 21 April 2015.
It is alleged that the members spotted the vehicle on a gravel road which is a bypass to Ngcobo. When the occupants of the vehicle saw the police, they abandoned the Toyota Quantum and fled on foot. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the members discovered sea products. Mthatha K9 Protected and Endangered Species members were contacted and identified the product as abalone. 2 699 abalone was recovered with an estimated street value of R134 950. 00. The vehicle was also confiscated.
No arrests have been made yet. The investigation continues.
Bityi SAPS Station Commander: Colonel Maphelo Ngame, commended the members for the vigilance. “We commend the members who made the recovery. This is an indication that our members are attentive when they are doing the patrols and crime prevention operations. Criminals who think they will use the gravel bypass roads in commissioning of crime are also warned,” he said.
