Five arrested and Abalone worth millions seized in Table View

Following an intelligence investigation, an operation by various SAPS units was conducted at a residence in Circle Road, Table View.

At approximately 12:00 they noticed a silver Mercedes Benz sedan stopping in front of the house after which the occupants unloaded black bags and carried it into the residence. The members then entered the premises and uncovered an illegal abalone drying facility. Two of the rooms were fully equipped drying rooms with shelves stacked of dried abalone. In the lounge they found numerous cardboard boxes containing bags of dried abalone. Numerous items of equipment, including gas cylinders and burners, fans, shelves and scales were also seized.

Five people aged between 20 and 33, were arrested on charges relating to the Living Marine Resources Act and will appear in Cape Town Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 23 April 2019.