Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services make R5.5 million abalone arrest

Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services arrested two men and confiscated abalone worth R5 682 000 at a strategically located roadblock over the weekend.

The suspects, aged 44 and 47, were arrested after they were stopped by traffic officers who had suspicions about the contents of the vehicle. On close inspection, the officers found 11 650 abalone and arrested the suspects.

The suspects have been handed over to the South African Police Service for further investigation of the matter. They are facing charges of being in possession of abalone in excess of legal limits.

I commend our dedicated traffic officers for their hard work in apprehending criminals who use our roads for the purposes of carrying out serious crimes. Many people are taking advantage of the situation we are facing in the country in our battle against the coronavirus and make the mistake of forgetting that our officers are still out there, ensuring that our roads are safe and free of criminal activities.