Two suspects were nabbed for the possession of abalone following a high-speed chase in Gordon’s Bay this morning (Friday 11 July).
The pursuit, involving a local private security company, ended when the suspects’ vehicle, laden with abalone, collided with another car on Faure Marine Drive.
According to Captain FC van Wyk, a spokesperson for provincial police, the collision occurred at 06:40. Van Wyk confirmed that a white Mercedes-Benz collided with a stationary Daihatsu hatchback between the cemetery and a local supermarket after the driver of the Mercedes-Benz lost control during the pursuit involving armed response vehicles of Gordon’s Bay Security in the direction of Strand. The collision resulted in the occupants of the Mercedes-Benz, an adult and a 14-year-old minor jumping out of the vehicle and fleeing the scene.
“The driver of the white Daihatsu was taken to hospital for medical treatment due to injuries sustained,” said Van Wyk.
Police searched the Mercedes-Benz after they were informed about the incident and responded to the scene.
“On inspection of the vehicle, officers discovered five bags of abalone which were seized as evidence,” said Van Wyk.
Officers of the national Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment also responded to the incident and were on the scene to determine the value of the abalone.
Both the driver and the passenger were subsequently traced by police and were brought back to the scene where they were arrested for the possession of abalone.
City of Cape Town Traffic Services officials were also at the scene for traffic management.
“There was a road closure at Faure Marine Drive and Lemoenboom Road at 06:53, while traffic was diverted down Lemoenboom Road,” said Kevin Jacobs, spokesperson for the City’s Traffic Services.
The collision blocked the Strand-bound lane where the Mercedes-Benz came to rest, while the stationary vehicle in the Gordon’s Bay-bound lane caused that direction to be closed as well. Jacobs confirmed that the road was reopened at 09:27.
The suspects will appear in the Strand Magistrates’ Court once charged.
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