Supplied
Four suspects are due to appear in court in Motherwell in Gqeberha on Monday after being found with a massive haul of abalone valued at over R7 million.
The arrests were made on Friday in Bluewater Bay in a joint operation by SAPS Port of Ngqura in conjunction with members of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE).
Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg said the arrests followed a tip-off that a vehicle was transporting abalone in the Bluewater Bay area.
“While they were patrolling the area in search of the vehicle, at approximately 18:00 the members noticed a white Toyota Rav4.
“In an attempt to stop the vehicle, the driver sped away and a high-speed chase ensued.
“The vehicle drove into a garage in Whales Way, Bluewater Bay but the members were able to stop behind them at the house,” she said.
Janse Van Rensburg said during a search of the vehicle the members confiscated two bags of abalone, while a search of the house revealed more abalone and processing equipment.
“A total of 19830 units of dry abalone were found inside the house with an estimated value of R6 434,377.00. They also confiscated 3985 units of wet abalone with an estimated value of R831,048.00.
“The total value of the abalone confiscated is R7 265,425.00. The Toyota Rav4 that was used for the transporting of the abalone was confiscated and an undisclosed amount of cash was also confiscated,” she said.
Four foreign nationals, aged between 35 and 40 were detained on charges of contravening the Marine Living Resource Act, and the illegal possession of abalone.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Major-General Vuyisile Ncata reiterated that illegal abalone activities are a huge concern and commended SAPS Port of Ngqura and DFFE for their alertness in nabbing the suspects.
