EASTERN CAPE – Ryno Swanepoel (52) was given 24 months direct imprisonment by Gqeberha Magistrate’s court and had his R80 000-00 worth Citroen sedan forfeited to the State on 6 December 2022. This is subsequent to his arrest by Gqeberha Serious Organised Crime Investigation team of the Hawks on 19 July 2021. He made quite a number of court appearances before his ultimate sentencing.

On 19 July 2021, members of the DPCI’s Serious Organised Crime Investigation team of the Hawks in Gqeberha together with members of the Dark Water Operations conducted surveillance at Brighton Beach in Gqeberha. Divers were seen emerging from the water close to the pier at Brighton Beach and observation was conducted. Along N2 towards the direction of Gqeberha, a red Citroen was found standing with a flat tyre. Upon inspecting the vehicle, a discovery of bags containing abalone with a weight of 120 kg with a monetary value of R432 000-00 was made.

The car was circulated and that led to the arrest of the owner Swanepoel on the very same day. He was released on bail and made a series of court appearances which led to his subsequent sentencing on 6 December 2022. Swannepoel was given 24 months direct imprisonment of which 21 months is suspended implying that that Swannepoel will spend 3 months incarceration. He will further forfeit his R80 000-00 worth vehicle which was used as instrumentality in the commission of a crime.

Source: South African Police Service