EASTERN CAPE – A 30-year-old male suspect is expected to appear in Gqeberha New Law court for allegations of illegal possession of abalone on 21 July 2021.

The appearance is subsequent to the arrest of the suspect on 19 July 2021 by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation team together with members of the Dark Water Operations. The teams are reported to have conducted surveillance at Brighton Beach in Gqeberha where they observed divers emerging from the sea closer to the peer.

The divers are reported to have boarded a vehicle and disappeared towards N2 Gqeberha direction. During the pursuit, a red Citroen vehicle was found standing with a flat tyre. It is alleged that on inspecting the vehicle, 120 kg of abalone worth an estimated R432 000 was discovered. The suspect found with the vehicle was arrested and the vehicle impounded.

The suspect is expected to make his first court appearance in Gqeberha New Law court on 21July 2021 for bail application.

Source: South African Police Service