READ: Vehicle Collision in Gordons Bay Uncovers Illegal Abalone Haul, Leading to Arrests
- Prime Time
- Jul 11
- 1 min read
GORDONS BAY, South Africa – A routine traffic accident on a coastal road early Friday morning unexpectedly revealed an environmental crime, resulting in the seizure of a large amount of abalone and the arrest of two individuals.
The incident occurred around 6:40 a.m. on July 11, 2025, when a white Mercedes Benz collided with a white Daihatsu hatchback along Faure Marine Road in Gordons Bay, Western Cape. Local authorities, including Gordons Bay police, traffic services, and personnel from a private security firm, quickly arrived at the scene.
According to reports, the adult driver of the Mercedes Benz and a 14-year-old passenger abandoned the vehicle and attempted to escape on foot. During a subsequent inspection of the Mercedes, responders found five bags containing abalone, a protected marine species often targeted by poachers. The items were immediately confiscated as evidence.
Law enforcement traced and apprehended the fleeing pair shortly afterward, charging them with possession of abalone. The exact value of the seized abalone remains under assessment by officials from the Sea Fisheries department. Meanwhile, the driver of the Daihatsu sustained injuries in the crash and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The suspects are scheduled to appear in the Strand Magistrates’ Court following formal charges. This case highlights ongoing efforts to combat environmental crimes in the region, where abalone smuggling poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems.
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