WALKERVILLE – Members attached to the Western Cape Serious and Violent Crime: Stock Theft Unit executed an accurately planned operation resulting in the confiscation of abalone with an estimated street value exceeding R2 million.
The operation, which was intelligence-driven and targeted the illicit trade of abalone across provincial borders, ended in the arrest of a suspect in Walkerville, on Wednesday, March 06.
The operation unfolded in the early hours of the morning when law enforcement officers, deployed to the Gauteng Province, observed a suspicious Nissan NP 200 entering the vicinity of an identified address in Walkerville.
Remaining vigilant, officers witnessed the vehicle’s return and moved to intercept it.
However, the situation escalated quickly when the driver attempted to evade arrest, endangering both law enforcement and other road users in a high-speed chase.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Western Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said despite the suspect’s reckless attempts to evade authorities, law enforcement officers persisted, eventually forcing the suspect to lose control near the R59 in Meyerton.
“Following the apprehension of the driver, a thorough inspection of the vehicle revealed a substantial consignment of abalone, implicating the suspect in illegal trafficking activities,” he said.
“Returning to the identified address in Walkerville, law enforcement officers uncovered a fully operational abalone processing plant situated on a smallholding. Further investigation led to the detention of a 51-year-old individual, who now faces a litany of charges including attempted murder, reckless and negligent driving, possession of abalone, and possession of an illegal jamming device,” said Swartbooi.
Once charged the suspect will make a court appearance in the Meyerton Magistrates’ Court on the mentioned charges.
