An integrated law enforcement operation, by members attached to Western Cape Serious and Violent Crime: Stock Theft Unit made a significant breakthrough when they confiscated abalone with an estimated street value of more than R2 million in Walkerville in the Sedibeng district on Wednesday, 06 March 2024.
SAPS spokesperson, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said the deployment that formed part of an intelligence driven operation, focusing on dealing in abalone between provinces arrived in the Gauteng Province and proceeded to an area in Walkerville.
“Close to the vicinity of the identified address, in the early hours of the morning they saw a Nissan NP 200 entering the area. The members remained static in the area, their patience was rewarded moments later when the mentioned vehicle returned. The officers instructed the driver to stop the motor vehicle, however he made his intentions known when he attempted to drive through the static law enforcement officers. The members took action which resulted in a high speed chase with the suspect on numerous times try to force the team and other road users off the road. The chase ultimately came to a halt when the driver lost control near to the R59 in the vicinity of Meyerton. The members apprehended the man and conducted an inspection of the vehicle, and in the process confiscated a consignment of abalone,” said Swaartbooi.
He added that the team members returned to the identified address in Walkerville where they discovered a fully operational abalone processing plant on a small holding. They detained the 51 year old man on charges of attempted murder, reckless and negligent driving, possession of abalone and possession of an illegal jamming device.
The suspect will appear in the Meyerton Magistrates’ court.
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