On Saturday, 26 April 2025, members of the Northern Cape Provincial Organised Crime Investigations Unit conducted a successful operation at a farmhouse in Douglas during the early hours of the morning.
The team acted on intelligence received regarding suspicious activities at the property. During a thorough search of the premises, officers discovered several containers containing a substantial amount of abalone.
Five suspects, two Malawian nationals and three Chinese nationals between the ages of 18 and 60, were arrested on charges of illegal possession of abalone.
The Department of Home Affairs will assist with determining the immigration status of the suspects.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, determined the estimated street value of the confiscated abalone to be approximately R1 970 829.
Several exhibits and two vehicles, including a Toyota Hilux bakkie and a Nissan NP200, believed to be used in the commission of a crime, were also seized.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Acting Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, praised the team for their exceptional work. He emphasized that marine-related crimes will continue to be vigorously pursued and that offenders will face the full force of the law.
Police seize abalone worth over R1 million in Douglas operationhttps://t.co/tJ67RZHf8p#ArriveAlive #Crime #Abalone @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/oo5y6ii8BM
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 27, 2025
