Police seize R1million worth of abalone in Makhanda

Bloemfontein becoming a hot destination for abalone, as two major arrests worth over a million were headed to the City of Roses.

This past weekend, police have seized large quantities of abalone in the Eastern Cape and Free State with both consignments allegedly heading to Bloemfontein.

In the latest arrest, a 46-year-old suspect was apprehended and police recovered abalone worth over R1 million.

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With the assistance of K9 units from Cradock, Gqeberha and Queenstown, Makhanda police were alerted about a white bakkie travelling along the R350 transporting abalone.

MAKHANDA SEIZURE

In an unfortunate turn of events for the driver, the vehicle was involved in an accident. He then abandoned the vehicle and sought refuge at a petrol station after refusing to be taken to the hospital by paramedics.

ALSO READ: Police confiscate bags full of abalone worth over R1 million

Police returned the suspect to the scene, and found no abalone in the vehicle itself however recovered 17 bags of the molluscs stashed underneath cardboard boxes in the immediate vicinity.

The estimated street value of the abalone is R1,020 000.

“We are warning criminals who use our roads to conduct their illegal trade that we are alert and will not hesitate to arrest and confiscate their goods. We will continue in our efforts to topple these organised syndicates whose activities also impact on serious and violent crime” says Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, commissioner Zolani Xawuka.

ALSO READ: Eight suspects arrested with abalone and diving equipment

FREE STATE ARRESTS

Meanwhile just before sunrise on Sunday, Trompsburg Highway Patrol arrested two suspects whilst conducting a stop and search on the N1.

ALSO READ: Two arrested for illegal possession of abalone

The white Toyota Hilux bakkie the men were travelling in was found to contain about 53 black refuse bags filled with abalone.

The men, aged 31 and 42, were heading to Bloemfontein before being apprehended for possession of abalone.

The duo are expected to appear before Trompsburg Magistrate’s Court soon facing charges of possession of abalone.