Cape Town – Two suspects were arrested for illegal possession of abalone worth around R200 000 following a high speed chase on Wednesday.
They were expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday after they were charged with illegal possession of abalone, reckless and negligent driving, and assaulting a Free State police officer, the police said.
“Bloemfontein K9 Unit received information on Wednesday about a vehicle travelling between Mthatha and Bloemfontein, which was believed to be carrying abalone. The vehicle was spotted on the N6 highway near Bloemfontein,” said police spokesperson, Sergeant Sinah Mpakane in a statement.
#sapsFS Two suspects, aged 31 & 32 respectively, will appear before the Bloemfontein magistrate court on Friday 17/2/23 on a charge of illegal possession of #abalone, reckless and negligent driving, and assault on a police official. TMhttps://t.co/pX0mj3kuXx pic.twitter.com/uOBnrrldBs
— SA Police Service ?? (@SAPoliceService) February 16, 2023
She said that the police tried to stop the driver but they refused and a chase ensued into the township of Phase 2, Mangaung.
“During the high-speed chase with blue lights and sirens, the suspects lost control of the vehicle while trying to turn a corner and crashed into the fence of one corner house. They then jumped out of the vehicle and ran away,” said Mpakane.
One officer was injured with a sharp object in the stomach while arresting one of the suspects, said Mpakane, adding that the community of Phase 2 and Rocklands assisted the police and also gave chase.
“The two were accosted and handed over to the police,” said Mpakane.
The vehicle and 100kg of abalone worth around R200 000 were confiscated.
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Picture: Twitter/ @SAPoliceService
Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
