/ 2 December 2008

Police nab suspected abalone thieves

Western Cape police have arrested eight suspects for the possession of abalone worth R7,5-million, a spokesperson said on Tuesday.

”Excellent and persistent investigation led to the arrest of eight more male suspects on Sunday night in Belhar, Caledon, Riviersonderend and Kuils River for possession of Abalone,” said Inspector Bernadine Steyn.

Three other suspects linked to the same case were arrested last month. The two Chinese nationals, aged 35 and 37, and a 22-year-old South African have already appeared in court.

”Abalone with an estimated street value of approximately R 7,5-million was found in the house that they occupied,” said Steyn.

”We confiscated more than 32 700 dried abalone in an empty room in the house.”

The eight suspects will appear in the Caledon Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. — Sapa