A joint anti-poaching operation conducted under the full moon by the Port Alfred K9 Unit, Kariega Anti-Poaching Unit, and private security forces resulted in the arrest of a 44-year-old man following hours of surveillance, a foot pursuit, and a dramatic high-speed chase.
The operation began on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 20:00, when officers conducting observation duties at Boknes Strand near Kenton-On-Sea spotted a white Toyota Corolla Verso dropping off groups of suspected poachers who then entered the sea. Hours later, members observed the same group emerging from the water carrying bags before disappearing into a nearby residential area.
A thorough investigation led authorities to a nearby farm, where bags containing abalone and diving equipment were discovered hidden in bushes. Police maintained surveillance on the hidden stash until Friday, July 11, at around 12:30, when the same white Toyota Verso returned to retrieve the bags.
A Vehicle Check Point (VCP) was swiftly established near the R72 National Road, but the suspect vehicle ignored stop signs and bypassed the roadblock, triggering a high-speed pursuit. During the chase, three passengers leaped from the moving vehicle and fled into nearby bushes. Moments later, the Toyota collided with another car traveling toward Alexandria on the R72.
The driver of the Toyota sustained minor injuries and was arrested on multiple charges, including:
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Possession and transportation of abalone without a permit
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Driving under the influence of alcohol
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Reckless and negligent driving
Authorities confiscated abalone with an estimated street value of R129,381, along with a scale, four diving cylinders, and a weight belt. The Toyota was also seized as it was used in the commission of a crime.
The occupants of the other vehicle involved in the collision were injured and transported to the hospital by ambulance.
