Authorities seized 3,699 abalone valued at about R1.2 million during a raid on an illegal drying facility in Table View, Cape Town. Picture Credit: Go! & Express
By Aisha Zardad
Cape Town – Four men accused of operating an illegal abalone drying facility in Table View appeared briefly in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Thursday following their arrest earlier this week.
The suspects — Mike Banda (45), Nkosinathi Cele (39), Abongile Sonela (37) and Mthandazo Skhosana (35) — are facing charges linked to the alleged operation.
Hawks spokesperson Siyabulela Vukubi said the suspects were arrested on March 10 during a joint operation led by the Hawks’ Economic Protected Resources (EPR) unit.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) and Table View SAPS.
According to Vukubi, authorities acted on intelligence about an alleged abalone drying facility operating in Table View.
“When members arrived at the premises at about 11.30am, they found the four suspects processing abalone,” he said.
A total of 3,699 abalone were seized during the operation, with an estimated value of R1.2 million.
The case was postponed to March 19 for bail information, and all four accused remain in custody until their next court appearance.
