CAPE TOWN - Police members stationed at Makhaza police station were conducting a vehicle checkpoint at Walter Sisulu Road in Makhaza on Saturday, 11 February 2023. At approximately 09:30 they searched a suspicious vehicle and recovered 821 units of abalone hidden in the boot. The driver, aged 37, could not account for it when questioned and was subsequently arrested for illegal possession and transportation of abalone. The abalone, which is valued at approximately R500 000, was confiscated.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court once charged.
In an unrelated matter, on Saturday, 11 February 2023 at approximately 07:40, members attached to Maitland Flying Squad received information while on patrol about a hijacked vehicle (Silver Toyota Avanza). They immediately operationalized all the leads and spotted the vehicle parked inside premises in 43 Block Makhaza. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle was hijacked in Harare earlier this month. The members further requested to conduct a search in the house and recovered a firearm with the serial number removed and it was loaded with one round of ammunition.
Three suspects aged 18, 31, and 38 were arrested for possession of a hijacked vehicle and possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.
Once charged they are expected to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on the mentioned charges.
Source: South African Police Service