Supplied
Quick action by police in Makhanda led to the arrest of a 41-year-old man and the seizure of abalone with a street value of R500 000.
Police spokesperson, Captain Marius McCarthy, said members of the highway patrol and crime prevention units were on patrol on the N2 when a white Nissan bakkie passed in the opposite direction at high speed.
He said the members gave chase and near Lothian gravel road the bakkie stopped and the driver, who was the only occupant, jumped out and started to run.
McCarthy said police gave chase and arrested the man.
“Upon searching the vehicle, members found and confiscated 13 661 units of abalone together with the Nissan NP300 LDV as it was used in the commission of a crime,” he said.
The suspect is due to appear in court soon on charges of possession of abalone.
The arrest was welcomed by Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, Major General Zolani Xawuka.