Philemon Jambaya
Zim Now Editor
A 48-year-old bus driver, destined for Zimbabwe, was apprehended in Komani's central business district on Sunday, February 23rd, after police discovered R2 million worth of abalone hidden within his vehicle.
According to police spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, the Queenstown dog unit (K9) received crucial intelligence regarding a bus travelling from East London towards Zimbabwe, purportedly carrying stolen tower batteries. Acting on this information, officers intercepted the vehicle in the Komani CBD and conducted a thorough search.
The search yielded far more than anticipated. Alongside the 26 boxes of abalone, a highly sought-after and protected marine delicacy, police recovered a cache of potentially stolen goods and contraband.
"Upon searching, five solar batteries worth R25,000, six solar panels valued at R12,000, four tower batteries worth R160,000, inverters worth R200,000, and 10 boxes of medication were also recovered," Captain Mgolodela revealed.
The driver now faces a litany of serious charges, including possession of abalone, suspected stolen property, contravention of the Medicines Act 101 of 1965, contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998, and damage to essential infrastructure. The diverse nature of the recovered items suggests a potentially complex network of illegal activities.
The discovery of the abalone, in particular, underscores the persistent threat posed by poaching and illegal trade of marine resources. Abalone, a type of sea snail, is highly prized in certain markets, leading to rampant overfishing and depletion of stocks. The involvement of cross-border transport highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating these crimes.
The recovery of solar and tower batteries, along with inverters, raises concerns about the theft of essential infrastructure and the potential disruption of vital services. The discovery of medication without proper documentation further adds to the complexity of the case, suggesting possible violations of pharmaceutical regulations.
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