Two suspects aged 31 and 36 are expected to appear in the Strand Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on charges of contravening the living marine resource Act and attempted murder.
Police arrested the pair on Monday in a sting operation involving officials from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Somerset West.
The suspects were driving separate vehicles along Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Road when they were pulled over. The one vehicle hit a department official as it sped off.
The official, who sustained minor injuries, responded by firing shots at the fleeing vehicle, which brought it to a sudden stop about 500 metres away. The driver fled the scene, leaving a trail of blood in the vehicle.
“A search of both vehicles uncovered about 11,941 units of wet abalone valued at just under R2-million,” Captain Lloyd Ramovha said.
“Authorities immediately launched a manhunt which led to the subsequent arrest of the second suspect who is due to face an additional charge of attempted murder.
“He was apprehended at the Bredasdorp Hospital where he had gone to seek medical attention for a hand gunshot wound”.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
