KEY POINTS
- Police found 26 boxes of abalone worth R2 million.
- Officers recovered stolen solar batteries, inverters, and medication.
- The driver faces charges, including damage to essential infrastructure.
On Sunday, February 23, a 48-year-old bus driver who was in route to Zimbabwe was taken into custody in the Komani central business district. 26 boxes of abalone, valued at an estimated R2 million, were discovered in his possession by the police.
Police intercept bus in Komani central business district
Police spokesperson Capt. Yolisa Mgolodela said the Queenstown K9 unit was notified about a bus that was going to Zimbabwe from East London. Law officials acted quickly after receiving a report that the car was allegedly carrying tower batteries.
After locating and stopping the bus in the Komani CBD, officers searched the area thoroughly. They found a sizable haul of items during the inspection, including what appeared to be stolen property.
Suspect faces multiple charges, including possession of stolen property
According to New Zimbabawe, five solar batteries worth R25,000, six solar panels worth R12,000, four tower batteries worth R160,000, inverters for R200,000, and ten medicine boxes were found by police during the search, according to Mgolodela.
After being arrested, the bus driver is accused of a number of offenses, including abalone possession, suspected theft, violation of the Medicines Act of 1965, violation of the Marine Living Resources Act of 1998, and damage to vital infrastructure.
The discovered goods, according to authorities, might be connected to ongoing inquiries into international smuggling activities. Illicit networks that operate between South Africa and its neighbors frequently traffic stolen commodities, particularly valuable items like tower batteries and inverters.
On Tuesday, February 25, the suspect is expected to appear before the Komani Magistrate’s Court to be charged. The public has been asked by police to report any suspicious activity involving environmental offenses or stolen goods.
