Members of the Western Cape Serious and Violent Crime: Stock Theft Unit executed an accurately planned operation resulting in the confiscation of abalone with an estimated street value of R2.8m.

The intelligence-driven operation targeted the illicit trade of abalone across provincial borders, resulting in the arrest of a suspect in Walkerville, Gauteng, on Wednesday.

The operation unfolded in the early hours of the morning when law enforcement officers, deployed to Gauteng, observed a suspicious Nissan NP 200 entering the vicinity of an identified address in Walkerville.

Remaining vigilant, officers moved to intercept it, but the situation escalated quickly when the driver attempted to evade arrest, endangering both law enforcement officers and other road users in a high-speed chase.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Western Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said despite the suspect’s reckless attempts to evade authorities, law enforcement officers persisted, eventually forcing the suspect to lose control of the vehicle near the R59 in Meyerton.

“Following the apprehension of the driver, a thorough inspection of the vehicle revealed a substantial consignment of abalone, implicating the suspect in illegal trafficking activities.

“Returning to the identified address in Walkerville, law enforcement officers uncovered a fully operational abalone processing plant situated on a smallholding.

“Further investigation led to the detention of a 51-year-old individual, who now faces a litany of charges including attempted murder, reckless and negligent driving, possession of abalone, and possession of an illegal jamming device,” said Swartbooi.

Once charged, the suspect will appear in the Meyerton Magistrate’s Court.