NORTHERN CAPE – Four accused; Emelio Saal (29), Keith Saal (34), Conwald Wyngaard (37), and Hubert Felix (39) appeared before the Springbok Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 18 August 2022 after they were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in Springbok working together with local K9 Unit and Department of Environmental Affairs officials. The accused were arrested on Tuesday, 16 August 2022 for possession of abalone without permit.

Police followed up on information after four males were observed diving into the sea at Kleinsee village on the West Coast of the Northern Cape province. Four diving suits and a bag containing 30 units of abalone valued at estimated amount of R84 000-00 were found at the scene. The team further seized a vehicle which was used in the commission of the crime.

The case was postponed to Monday, 22 August 2022 for bail application and the case to be transferred to Port Nolloth Court.

Source: South African Police Service