EASTERN CAPE – The Gqeberha Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI) team of the Hawks together with National Prosecuting Authority were granted the preservation order by the Grahamstown High Court on 15 March 2022.

The preservation order emanates from an incident that took place on 13 October 2021 at 14:20 on the N10 highway near Cradock in the direction of Gqeberha. Two suspicious-looking vehicles, travelling in a convoy, were stopped. A Ford Ranger with EC registration number driven by Irvan Barnard and the second vehicle, a Toyota Hilux with EC registration number driven by an unknown male were pursued where it was found parked in front of Shumi-Shumi trading spaza shop in Hoffmeyer. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled. Barnard was arrested.

It was discovered that they were transporting more than 12000 units of fresh abalone. Both vehicles and cargo were seized. The Toyota Hilux has a cash value of R237 500 and Ford Ranger has a cash value of R148 100. The preservation order prohibiting the use of vehicles was granted by the High Court.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya commended the Asset Forfeiture Unit of PCSI and NPA for the success.

Source: South African Police Service