Officers from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) are investigating an illegal abalone processing plant in Alberton.
Eleven suspects, aged between 18 and 46, were arrested on Tuesday night, said spokesperson Lt-Col Christopher Singo.
“The arrests followed an operation conducted by members of the Gauteng organised crime tracing team who were visiting a premises in Alberton North in connection with illegal mining activities.
“While conducting their duties, members observed a civilian in the vicinity who appeared uncomfortable on noticing the police presence. Police became suspicious and followed the individual to a nearby premises.”
There, he said, officers detected a strong odour emanating from the property, which prompted a search.
“A large quantity of abalone was discovered. The matter was immediately reported to the Hawks, and members of the Hawks’ serious organised crime investigation team were activated to the scene.
“A further search of the premises led to the discovery of abalone with an estimated value exceeding R10m.”
The suspects were arrested for dealing in and possession of abalone.
TimesLIVE
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