READ: Five arrested and abalone with a street value of R1.97m recovered

Douglas, Northern Cape – In a significant crackdown on illegal wildlife trade, the Northern Cape Provincial Organised Crime Investigations Unit arrested five individuals on Saturday, 26 April 2025, at a farmhouse in Douglas. Authorities seized abalone valued at approximately R1.97 million on the street market, along with two vehicles and other evidence linked to the crime.

The suspects, comprising two Malawian nationals and three Chinese nationals, aged between 18 and 60, face charges related to the illegal possession of abalone, a highly sought-after marine delicacy often targeted by poaching syndicates. The operation also led to the confiscation of a Toyota Hilux bakkie and a Nissan NP200, believed to have been used to facilitate the illicit activities.

This bust marks a critical step in the ongoing efforts by South African law enforcement to curb the illegal harvesting and trade of abalone, which threatens marine ecosystems and fuels organized crime. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon as investigations continue.