| 44-year-old man arrested for possession and transportation of abalone without a permit | |
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| Date Published: | 2025/07/13 |
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Media Statement
KENTON ON SEA - Another successful anti-poaching, full-moon operation successfully executed this time by Port Alfred K9 Unit in collaboration with Kariega Anti-Poaching Unit and private security resulted in the arrest of a 44-year-old man after hours of observation followed by a long pursue of suspects on foot and high-speed vehicle chase. During an operation that started on Thursday 10 July 2025 at 20:00 members conducted observation duties at Boknes strand near Kenton-On-Sea when a white Toyota Corolla Verso was spotted dropping off groups of suspected poachers that entered the sea. When a group of men came out of the water hours later, members noticed that they were carrying bags while walking into a nearby residential area where the members lost sight of them. Thorough investigation led police to a nearby farm where bags containing abalone and diving equipment were found hidden in bushes. Another lengthy surveillance of the area where the bags were hidden was conducted until Friday 11 July 2025 at about 12:30 and police picked up the same white Toyota Verso entering the road to Boknes and loading the bags that were hidden. At a Vehicle Check Point that was immediately set up near the R72 National Road, the white Toyota Corolla ignored stop signs and bypassed the temporary roadblock resulting in a high-speed vehicle chase that ensued. During the chase, three (3) passengers jumped out of the white Toyota Corolla and disappeared into nearby bushes just before the vehicle collided with another vehicle traveling on the R72 National Road towards Alexandria. The driver of the white Toyota Corolla sustained minor injuries and was arrested for possession and transportation of abalone without a permit, driving under the influence of liquor and reckless and negligent driving. Abalone with an estimated street value of more than one hundred thousand rand (R129 381.00), a scale, four diving cylinders and one weight belt were found in the white Toyota Corolla and confiscated together with the vehicle since it was used in the commission of a crime. The occupants of the other vehicle involve in the accident were also injured and transported to hospital by ambulance. The suspect is due to appear before the Port Alfred Magistrates court when charged. Ends
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