The Gqeberha Economic Protected Resources Section of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) unit of the Hawks, along with Dark Water Operations Security and Local Criminal Record Centre members, arrested two suspects, aged 23 and 24, on June 20 for possessing abalone worth R40,000.
According to the Hawks spokesperson, Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, it is alleged that at approximately 13:00, on June 20, the Gqeberha SOCI members received information about a white Ford Bantam bakkie that would be transporting abalone to a house situated in Veins, a suburb in Kariega
Mgolodela said the members reportedly patrolled in Veins and the bakkie was spotted reversing into a household yard on Malan Crescent.
“Two suspects allegedly alighted from the bakkie carrying a clear plastic bag into the house.
“The members approached the house and found the same two suspects returning to the bakkie,” she explained.
Mgolodela further added that the two suspects were stopped by members while returning to the bakkie and were taken back to the house where two bags of abalone were allegedly found on the bedroom floor.
“The abalone bags contained 357 units of abalone weighing 40kg worth R40, 000.
“Upon further search, diving equipment and a cellphone worth R60, 000 were also found and confiscated,” she stated.
“The Ford bakkie, which is suspected of having been used as an instrumentality in the commission of a crime with an estimated cash value of R70,000, was also seized during the search operation.”
The two suspects were arrested on the spot and will make their first court appearance in Kariega Magistrates’ court on Monday, June 24.
