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A suspected abalone poacher lost his life tragically on Monday night in the Eastern Cape while trying to flee from the police in an Audi Q5, allegedly carrying abalone worth R4 million.
He was hit by a truck while trying to run away from the police.
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The police had been chasing the white Audi Q5 on the N10 highway. When the driver got out of the car and tried to escape on foot, the accident occurred.
Colonel Priscilla Naidu, the spokesperson for the Eastern Cape police, explained that despite repeated warnings from the police, those involved in the illegal abalone trade still choose to take part in this unlawful activity. This puts their lives in danger as they try to evade the police.
Naidu provided more details about the incident. She said that SAPS Cookhouse Highway patrol members were patrolling on the N10 when they noticed two vehicles traveling together. When the police tried to stop the vehicles, they drove away quickly.
“One of the vehicles, an Audi Q5, was eventually stopped just outside Cookhouse. The driver got out and ran into the trailer of a passing truck while trying to escape. Unfortunately, the driver died at the scene.”
Naidu also mentioned that the other two suspects, aged 31 and 37, were arrested at the scene.
The police seized 43 bags (4785 units) of abalone, which is estimated to be worth R3.8 million on the street.
The second vehicle, a Chevy Spark, was found abandoned on Cradock Road and was confiscated by the police.
Naidu said that the police are investigating the accident as a culpable homicide.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon, facing charges of illegally possessing and transporting abalone.
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Major General Zolani Xawuka, the Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, expressed concern about illegal abalone activities and commended the SAPS Cookhouse Highway Patrol members for their alertness and intuition in catching these smugglers before the valuable shellfish reached its intended destination.
“The poaching of these molluscs can harm the endangered species, so it is crucial to apprehend those involved. By catching abalone poachers, our officials are not only enforcing the law but also sending a strong message that illegal activities like this will not be tolerated.”
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