On the morning of 27 February 2021, at about 05:00 police arrested eight suspects for possession of abalone. Members from Department of Agriculture, Forest and Fisheries received information about people that were diving and waiting for a vehicle to transport abalone.
Members of DAFF alerted the Police who swiftly responded and spotted the vehicle at the junction of R349 Road between Kei Mouth and Morgans Bay. The driver sped off and Police gave chase. The occupants alighted from the vehicle in an attempt to flee however, the suspects were arrested. Upon searching the vehicle, members recovered diving equipment.
Another vehicle was recovered resulting in the recovery of 477 units of abalone and four suspects were subsequently arrested. Both vehicles were confiscated by Police. The arrested suspects were charged for illegal possession and transporting of abalone under the Marine Living Resource Act.
The eight suspects aged between 25 and 55 years are due to appear at East London Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 1 March 2021.
The Amathole Acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Ngangema commended community members for sharing valuable information with SAPS and encouraged them to continue reporting any criminal activities to Crime Stop 08600 10111.
