Western Cape: This morning 19 August 2016, at 06:40, members from the Cape Town K9 Unit and Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries were conducting anti-poaching patrols when they saw a suspicious-looking vehicle, with tinted windows, at the intersection of Broadlands Road and the N2, Gordon’s Bay.
They immediately pursued the Ford Ranger light delivery vehicle along the N2 and later pulled it from the road opposite Asla Park, Strand.
After stopping, the driver fled on foot, but was apprehended shortly thereafter. Upon searching the vehicle, numerous bags of abalone were found inside and in the back of the Ford Ranger.
The 30 year old man from Zwelihle, Hermanus, was arrested and detained at Lwandle police station where the shucked abalone was counted.
It amounted to 9 417 units of abalone. It is still to be weighed to determine the exact value, but is estimated at R1.5 million.
The suspect is to appear in Strand Magistrates’ Court on Monday 22 August 2016, on charges relating to the illegal possession and transportation of abalone.
The protection of our marine resources is high on the agenda of SAPS and their partners in the fight against crime, and regular breakthroughs are made in preventing these products from ending up on the illegal market. #CrimeMustFall
