Criminals who plunder our precious marine resources were dealt a blow yesterday (Thursday, 2017-04-20) at approximately 21:00 when SAPS members arrested a 35 year old man for the illegal possession of 28 650 units of abalone.
According to reports, Stanford SAPS members spotted a white Mercedes Benz Sprinter (taxi) with a CA registration number near Stanford. The vehicle appeared suspicious to the members and they attempted to pull the vehicle over. The driver of the vehicle refused to stop, and sped off in the direction of the R316 (Van Brakel crossing).
Members then requested assistance from Caledon SAPS in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was chased all the way to the N2 near Driefontein farm, and in the process the suspects attempted to push the SAPS vehicles off the road. In the end the suspicious vehicle collided with one of the SAPS vehicles. The driver of the vehicle managed to flee the scene.
A 35 year old man who appeared to be the passenger in the vehicle was arrested on the scene. Plastic bags containing 28 650 units of abalone were found inside the vehicle. The estimated street value of the abalone is R2, 5 Million.
The arrested suspect will appear in the Caledon Magistrates’ Court on Monday 24 April 2017.
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