Two arrested for alleged possession of abalone worth R200 000, assault of police officer
Compiled by Nicole McCain News24
- Two people have been arrested for the alleged illegal possession of abalone worth R200 000.
- During the arrests, a police officer was “injured in the stomach with a sharp object”, said a police spokesperson.
- The two suspects have also been charged with reckless and negligent driving, as well the assault of a police officer.
Two people have been arrested for the alleged illegal possession of abalone and assault of a Free State police officer.
The two, aged 31 and 32, were expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday on charges of illegal possession of abalone, reckless and negligent driving, as well as assault of a police officer, said police spokesperson, Sergeant Sinah Mpakane.
According to Mpakane, the Bloemfontein K9 Unit received information on Wednesday about a vehicle travelling between Mthatha and Bloemfontein, which was believed to be carrying abalone. The vehicle was spotted on the N6 highway near Bloemfontein.
“Police tried to stop the driver, but they refused to stop. A chase ensued, and the suspects drove into the township of Phase 2, Mangaung,” said Mpakane.
“During the high-speed chase with blue lights and sirens, the suspects lost control of the vehicle while trying to turn a corner and crashed into the fence of one corner house. They then jumped out of the vehicle and ran away.
“One of the police officers who tried to arrest one of the suspects was injured in the stomach with a sharp object,” said Mpakane.
“The community of Phase 2 and Rocklands assisted the police and also gave chase. The two were accosted and handed over to the police,” added Mpakane.
Police confiscated about 100kg of abalone worth around R200 000.