Two suspects were arrested en route to Cape Town after their vehicle was found carrying more than 200 fresh abalone, Western Cape police said on Thursday.
The province’s police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk said their K9 unit had received information regarding a silver Jeep en route from Hermanus to Cape Town, allegedly carrying abalone.
Police spotted the vehicle on the R43 on-ramp, heading towards Cape Town. They ordered the driver to pull over but their command was ignored.
"The suspects then collided with a police vehicle," said Van Wyk.
The two suspects then jumped out of the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot into nearby bushes. However, police managed to catch them.
Returning to the vehicle, police found and seized a total of 203 fresh abalone, estimated to be worth the street value of R101,500. The vehicle was also seized.
"The suspects were detained at Caledon SAPS (South African Police Service) on charges of attempted murder, reckless and negligent driving, and possession and transportation of abalone, and are due to appear in Caledon Magistrates court soon," said Van Wyk.
This follows the Hawks’arrest on Tuesday in the Eastern Cape of 10 suspects alleged to be part of a R500 million international abalone syndicate.
– African News Agency (ANA)
