By BAKANG MOKOTO
Four suspects were arrested for being in possession of abalone without a permit. Emelio Saal (29), Keith Saal (34), Conwald Wyngaard (37), and Hubert Felix (39) were arrested by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigative unit working together with the local K9 unit and the Department of Environmental Affairs officials.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Capt Tebogo Thebe said the incident took place in Springbok on 16 August 2022
Thebe said the suspects briefly appeared before The Springbok Magistrate’s Court on 18 August 2022.
“The police followed up on information after four males were observed diving into the sea at Kleinsee village on the West Coast of the province. Four diving suits and a bag containing 30 units of abalone valued at the estimated amount of R84 000 were found at the scene.
“The team further seized a vehicle, which was used during the commission of a crime. The case was postponed until 22 August 2022 for formal bail application,” he said.
Thebe added that the case was also transferred to Port Nolloth Magistrate’s Court.
The Guardian 