Melikhaya Zagagana24 November 2024 | 7:41

Over R7m worth of abalone recovered in Gqeberha

Eastern Cape police said four suspects, arrested on Friday, have been charged with illegal possession of abalone and contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act.

Over R7m worth of abalone recovered in Gqeberha

Picture: X/SAPoliceService

CAPE TOWN - More than R7 million worth of abalone has been recovered by a multi-disciplinary team of investigators at Bluewater Bay in Gqeberha.  

Eastern Cape police said four suspects, arrested on Friday, have been charged with illegal possession of abalone and contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act.  

Provincial South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Sandra Janse van Rensburg said officers apprehended the suspects after a high-speed chase when they failed to stop for police.  

“The 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 [Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment] for their alertness in nabbing these smugglers. Illegal abalone activities are continuing in Gqeberha. However, SAPS members are leaving no stone unturned as they clamp down on criminals.”  

The four suspects, aged between 35 and 40, are expected to appear in the Motherwell Magistrates Court on Monday.