High-Speed Chase Leads to Abalone Bust in Gqeberha: One Arrested

In a thrilling round of law enforcement heroics, Gqeberha police successfully seized abalone valued at R86,000 after a high-speed chase on Thursday, December 5, 2024. The chase, which involved the Gqeberha Flying Squad and Humewood SAPS, concluded with the arrest of a 32-year-old suspect facing serious charges.

The episode began when vigilant police officers, while patrolling near the M4 freeway, noticed a white Toyota Fortuner that appeared suspiciously overloaded, with liquid spewing from its boot. As the police attempted to intercept the vehicle at the intersection of Walmer Boulevard Drive, the suspect accelerated, igniting a dangerous chase through the bustling streets of Gqeberha.

In a desperate attempt to evade capture, the suspect’s vehicle tried to ram the pursuing police car off the road. The chase wound through several busy intersections before reaching KwaZakhele, where, in a dramatic turn, two individuals exited the moving vehicle on Booi Street, managing to escape on foot.

The ordeal culminated with the 32-year-old driver being apprehended. Police discovered 18 bags of abalone in the vehicle, including 138 shelled and 3,276 deshelled units, collectively estimated at a street value of R86,000.

The suspect now faces charges under the Marine Living Resources Act for illegal possession and transportation of abalone without a permit, reckless or negligent driving, and malicious damage to property. The individual is detained and expected to appear at the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court shortly.

This incident highlights continued efforts by South African police to combat the illegal abalone trade, a pressing issue that has severe ecological and economic impacts on the community. The high demand for abalone in black markets, especially in Asia where it is a coveted delicacy, fuels such poaching activities. The government and local authorities are intensifying their crackdown on these criminal enterprises to protect marine life and uphold the law.